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Olympian coming to Grand Forks

Olympic medalist Clara Hughes is cycling across Canada and will be stopping in town.
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Clara Hughes

Like most mental illnesses, depression is often kept hidden away by those who suffer from it; however, help is available and recovery is possible. People with mental health issues can and do lead full, happy and productive lives.That's the message from six-time Canadian Olympic  medallist Clara Hughes, who is cycling across Canada to raise awareness.Hughes, who won medals in both the Summer and Winter Olympics and was Canada's flag bearer for the 2010 Vancouver Games, will be stopping in Grand Forks on May 23 and staying overnight. Boundary Mental health and Substance Use Services, Grand Forks Recreation and other community stakeholders are planning a big event for Hughes' stopover. She will giving a presentation at Gyro Park when she arrives, which is expected to be around 3:30 p.m. Mountain FM radio, Interior Health and other organizations will have booths set up at the park to welcome Clara to town.Also speaking at the event will be Mayor Brian Taylor, Suzanne Lee (team leader of Boundary Mental Health and Substance Use Services), Ian Mitchell and special guest speaker Debra Cozza."Come on down and support this worthy cause," said Lee. "Clara is a Canadian Olympic athlete and her big ride is simply an amazing and exciting opportunity to help break the stigma of mental illness. We hope the locals will come on down on May 23 and show Clara a big Boundary welcome!"Hughes is the national spokesperson for Bell Let's Talk Day and a passionate advocate for mental health. By sharing past struggles with depression, Hughes uses her own story to spread the word that help is available and recovery is something people can strive for.Hughes' Big Ride began on March 14 and will see her ride 12,000 kilometres around Canada visiting 95 communities in 110 days as she raises awareness about mental health and advocates for positive, long-term change in the way Canadians perceive mental illness.Lee said mental health issues indirectly affect all British Columbians through illness in family members, friends and colleagues. "Experts suggest that one in four adults have suffered in some way with mental health issues," she said. "In the Boundary area, the prevalence of those who suffer with anxiety and depression is significantly higher than in other regions across the Kootenay Boundary. The causes of anxiety and depression vary from person to person and the symptoms can be extremely debilitating, confusing and distressing for both the one who is suffering as well as loved ones."There are many resources that Lee recommends, including heretohelp.bc.ca; youthinbc.com; bchealthguide.org; suicideinfo.ca; mindcheck.ca.People are also urged to contact the Canadian Mental Health Association or help lines including the Interior Crisis Line network 1-888-353-2273.