News
2023 World Police & Fire Games partner with PeerConnect

June 15, 2023, Winnipeg, Man. – The 2023 World Police & Fire Games has announced a partnership with PeerConnect, a premier first responder mental health resource provider to support athletes attending the Games.

PeerConnect is a first responder wellness app that offers a proactive peer support system that ensures all users are checked in on after every traumatic event. Any athlete using the system can create their own trusted peer support team made up of peers they select who are trained to offer support 24/7, ensuring no user falls through the cracks. With highly customizable resources, each member can access the support they need with ease, trust and anonymity.

Before and during the Games, athletes will be able to download PeerConnect to access mental health resources, be advised of mental health activities and presentations taking place, and athletes village events, and hear one-on-one athlete stories as part of the PeerConnect “Commit to Connect” challenge.

“The pressures and expectations of high-performing athletes and first responders is an immense weight to carry. That is why it felt like a natural choice to partner with PeerConnect to bring dedicated mental health resources directly to the athletes attending the 2023 World Police & Fire Games. It is our hope that this is just one step to ensure all athletes feel supported before, during and after the Games,” said Mike Edwards, Chief Operating Officer of the 2023 WPFG.

“We are beyond grateful for the opportunity to support more than 8,500 athletes at this year’s Games with mental health resources. We understand the pressure both first responders and elite athletes face in their drive to succeed and the need to feel supported in their mental health journey. PeerConnect was designed to serve the first responder community, to be a first line of support and to ensure no one walks alone,” said Kevin Kuchta, CEO of First Response Mental Health and PeerConnect.