From Sports Anchor to Mental Health Advocate: Landsberg Inspires at Sault College Scholarship Breakfast

Sault College Athletics hosted their annual Scholarship Breakfast with special guest Michael Landsberg, sponsored by Algoma Steel on Tuesday. The event provided guests with breakfast while listening to a fireside chat between Landsberg and Director of Athletics and Student Services, Paul Orazietti. The chat provided insight into Landsberg's life as a sports anchor and host of TSN's Off The Record, recounting stories of interviewing with civil rights activist Jesse Jackson, head coach Ted Nolan, and Montreal Canadiens legend Stephane Richer. 

As the talk progressed, Landberg shed light on his challenges with mental health, anxiety, and depression, which led to him establishing #SickNotWeak in 2016. Encouraging attendees to speak up if they are feeling unwell, and to listen to friends, family, and coworkers as they may be struggling as well. An insightful chat shared some of Landbergs lowest points of his life, including November 24, 2008, which he tattooed on his arm to remind him of when he truly understood mental health and depression.

Landsberg captivated the audience with a powerful message, turning the event into an overwhelming success, said Paul Orazietti, Director of Athletics and Student Experience.

"I am thrilled to share that our 2nd annual Scholarship Breakfast, sponsored by Algoma Steel, was a tremendous success. We were honored to have Michael Landsberg, a Canadian sports media icon, as our guest speaker. Michael's heartfelt and inspirational message on mental health awareness left a lasting impact on everyone in attendance, underscoring the importance of supporting one another and speaking out on these vital issues," Orazietti remarked.

The fundraising event was a significant achievement for student-athletes, thanks to the generous contributions of community sponsors and individuals. Orazietti expressed his gratitude:

"Thanks to the generosity and support of our attendees and sponsors, we achieved our goal of raising substantial funds to support student-athlete scholarships at Sault College. A special thank you goes to Algoma Steel for their continued partnership in this important cause. We are excited to build on this wonderful tradition and look forward to growing this scholarship fundraiser in the years to come, helping to support the bright futures of our student-athletes. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this event such a success!"

At the event's conclusion, Landsberg was honored with an honorary diploma in Sports Administration and a donation to his foundation, #SickNotWeak.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, resources are available.

• I.M. Well - 1-877-234-5327

• "Good2Talk" Ontario's Postsecondary Student Helpline - 1-866-925-5454
  
  
• Kids Help Phone - 1-800-668-6868 or TEXT 686868