HALDIMAND—The Axtion Sports Jam for Child and Youth Mental Health, a day-long celebration of sports and mental wellness sponsored by Haldimand Norfolk REACH, is returning for its fifth annual event this September.
The event kicked off in 2021 during the ongoing pandemic.
“At that time, we were seeing how much children and youth had been impacted by isolation, increased screen time, and the loss of so many of their regular opportunities to get outside, be active, and connect with other kids,” explained Nancy Schuur, Group Services & Prevention Worker at REACH.
“We wanted to create something that would encourage kids to get back outside, get moving, and reconnect with their community, while also starting conversations about mental health in a positive and approachable way.”
The event has since become an annual staple, offering free, family-friendly sports entertainment while promoting mental wellness.
It brings together community members of all ages who enjoy skateboarding, scooters, and BMX, from complete beginners to experienced riders.
“You do not have to be the best to belong here. It isn’t really about who can land the biggest trick. It’s about having the courage to come out, give something a try, challenge yourself, and support the people around you,” said Schuur.
That philosophy is the secret ingredient driving the event’s success.
Younger participants will take part in Expression Sessions, which Schuur described as less about competition and more about giving kids an opportunity to showcase their skills. Older age groups will have competitive divisions, but even those focus on a supportive atmosphere.
“There’s music, an emcee, prizes and awards, and lots of opportunities for families and community members to come out, watch, and cheer everyone on,” said Schuur.
The treasured Heart of the Jam Award is given each year to a recipient who best demonstrates what the event is all about: “Joy, encouragement, perseverance, kindness, and good sportsmanship.”
“Someone may not go home having won their division, but they can still be the person who made the biggest impact on the day simply through the way they treated and encouraged others,” said Schuur.
She hopes the event inspires families to think more about mental fitness – the everyday things children and youth can do that help strengthen their mental wellbeing.
“Getting outside, moving your body, connecting with other people, challenging yourself, experiencing success and failure, learning to try again, and feeling like you belong somewhere are all part of that,” she elaborated.
Having those conversations in a “fun and natural” environment is key.
“Kids don’t have to sit down and have a formal conversation about mental health to be doing something positive for their mental health,” said Schuur. “The message we’ve used throughout the event is that mental fitness is like a muscle; the more we work at it, the stronger it can become.”
She continued, “Action sports are particularly interesting because falling, missing a trick, and trying again are simply part of learning. Kids discover that not getting something right the first time doesn’t mean they’ve failed – it means they’re learning.”
Belonging to a community is much easier when people celebrate each other’s progress at whatever pace that occurs.
“Maybe one child’s accomplishment is landing an advanced trick, while another child’s accomplishment is simply going down a ramp for the first time. Both deserve to be celebrated,” Schuur said. “That’s a big part of the message we want kids to take away from Axtion Sports Jam: You don’t have to be the best. You just have to be willing to try.”
She encouraged anyone interested in participating to join them at the Waterford Skate Park on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
Participants under 18 need a parent or guardian present to sign a waiver, and helmets are mandatory.
“Families and community members can come out, watch, cheer, and help us create the kind of atmosphere we want young people to experience,” added Schuur, noting full details and registration can be found at reachoutyouth.ca.
“At the end of the day, Axtion Sports Jam isn’t really about trophies or tricks. It’s about kids getting outside, getting active, connecting with other people, taking a chance on themselves, and discovering that sometimes just showing up and trying your best is something worth celebrating.”
