Tennis Canada is committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment which includes integrating mental health and wellness as part of a tennis player’s journey. Our Wellness Director Marie-Josée Bellemare has been spearheading these initiatives with the support of the mental health and wellness leadership team for the past three years and ensures that the conversation around mental health is at the forefront within the tennis community.
She works to support the overall wellbeing of athletes, including wheelchair tennis players, coaches, and staff. She also recruits host families at the National Tennis Centre presented by Rogers (NTC) in Montreal for the players who are relocating, finding them a supportive environment that is conducive to their growth and development.
Bellemare, who has an undergrad and a master’s counselling psychology, came to Tennis Canada from the education system. She’s worked in different settings internationally in Bolivia, France and the United States.
“I used to promote physical activity and now I promote mental health within a sport that is the ultimate form of physical activity, so it’s an interesting shift,” Bellemare said. “I am using my background to have a holistic approach for athletes and supporting the human first to help their performance.”
Thanks to our partnership with the Canadian Centre for Mental Health and Sport (CCMHS), coaches and athletes have free access to mental health professionals and a confidential pathway to get the services they need. Coaches are also given access to a physical exam as well as training session on conflict and bullying management. They’re also provided with tools so they can be more attentive and flag when they see signs mental health struggles. For their part, athletes benefit from nutrition training and recovery in addition to group activities in their training environment and at camps that help normalize the conversations around mental health and provide them with correct literacy such as understanding the difference between getting support to help mental performance and seeking assistance to treat a mental illness. Not to mention that players at the NTC can take advantage of a lounge to relax and enjoy activities away from the court.
Bellemare also works with Tennis Canada’s event and support staff, especially leading up to and during the National Bank Open presented by Rogers. Last year, a recharge program was implemented to help manage the stress as well as the highs and lows of running a 12-day international tournament. Wellness initiatives included on-site massages, breakfasts, calm zones, and recharge cabins. Teams were also encouraged to create a work schedule that was adapted to their respective realities and needs. Staff also benefit from a company-wide wellness week after the tournament to replenish their batteries.
The goal in the coming months is to expand the access to mental health resources through the Provincial & Territorial Tennis Associations (PTTAs) and to create an integrated presence at Tennis Canada-operated national events. Stronger education for parents, coaches, and staff is also a priority.
Bellemare believes that the strategies put in place reinforce that wellness is fundamental for performance, long-term success, and achieving excellence, sending a strong message that mental health is as important as physical health.
“Every year, we see more high-profile athletes, especially in tennis, speaking up, helping to reduce the stigma around mental health so that improves the visibility,” Bellemare explained. “What would be great moving forward is shifting that awareness to actions. Now that we know what’s available, we want it to be fully integrated in the culture where seeking help is seen as a strength.”
