THE APEX TIMES
Colts join Indy Art Center to host art wellness workshop for Central Indiana girls flag football teams
A Colts initiative teamed with Indy Art Center to offer an art-based stress management workshop for student-athletes from North Central and Warren Central.
On Tuesday at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center, Kicking The Stigma and Indy Art Center hosted an art wellness workshop for two Central Indiana girls flag football teams, North Central and Warren Central.
The event came as part of the buildup to World Mental Health Day, observed Saturday, October 10, and focused on using art as a way for athletes to manage stress and express emotions.
Colts players Davon Booth, Tanor Bortolini, Caden Curry, DJ Giddens, Seth McGowan, Mitchell Melton, Anthony Richardson Sr., Spencer Shrader and Jonathan Taylor joined the workshop alongside Colts Cheerleaders and Indy Art Center instructors.
According to Indy Art Center director of community programs Becca Nisenbaum, the program is designed for students who may not be able to express thoughts and feelings through words, offering art as an alternate outlet for reflection and communication.
Athletes were split into groups and guided through activities that connected color and creativity to emotion and expression, with the overall effort tied to Kicking The Stigma’s mission of reducing the stigma around mental health in sports.
Why It Matters
- The event highlights how NFL club community efforts can address mental health in youth athletics, not just at the professional level.
- By involving local school flag football programs, the workshop connects league-wide initiatives to grassroots participation and team culture.
- The Colts’ public emphasis on mental health awareness aligns with Kicking The Stigma’s broader push to normalize discussion of stress and emotional strain in sports settings.
- Programs like this can create additional support channels for student-athletes who may feel less able to share concerns through traditional communication.
Key Facts
- The art wellness workshop was held Tuesday at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center.
- Kicking The Stigma partnered with Indy Art Center for the event.
- Girls flag football teams from North Central and Warren Central participated.
- The workshop involved 50 student-athletes and included Colts players and Colts Cheerleaders.
- The effort was scheduled around World Mental Health Day on Saturday, October 10.
- Kicking The Stigma said the program promotes safe spaces for athletes to talk about mental health and encourage help-seeking.