Yellowknife, NWT – Quite a thrill Monday for students at Sir John Franklin and St. Pat’s in Yellowknife.
Six-time Olympic medalist Clara Hughes addressed kids at both schools as part of her ‘Big Ride’ across Canada to promote mental health and fight the stigma surrounding mental illness.
She spoke to a receptive audience at St. Pat’s .
Matthew Hart is one of the students who took in her presentation.
“I thought it was pretty powerful. I think it’s a really good message. I like what she’s doing and I think she’s going to help a lot of people by raising awareness of mental illnesses and helping people realize they’re not alone.”
Mental health and addictions counsellor Peter Therrien is on the northern part of Hughes’ tour.
We asked him what the reception’s been like.
“Amazing. We welcomed her at the airport, had an evening with her and then had her come to Sir John and St. Pat’s. She’ll also be going to Behchoko, Dettah and travelling up to Inuvik to bike the Dempster.”
Hughes is one of those very rare athletes who competed in both the summer and winter Olympics in mountain biking and speed skating.
She has also had her own struggles with depression.
CJCD Mix 100 News
