Students Supporting Students promo poster.

With finals coming up, there couldn’t be a better time for “stress-busting” activities for University of Guelph students.  

On April 7, Student Wellness will partner with a Grade 9 class from St. John’s-Kilmarnock School (SJK) to host COVID-safe games in Branion Plaza for U of G students as part of an event called Students Supporting Students.  

Prizes from SJK and Student Wellness are available for students competing in events including the longest hula hoop, the fastest sprint or the most consecutive skipping rope jumps. 

In fall 2021, the SJK class brainstormed ideas for service initiatives to help local university students. The winning vote went to a stress-busting idea from student Carson Duldhardt.   

Grade 9 students pose for a group photo outside of their school.
Carson Duldhart (front middle) poses with classmates outside of SJK.

“We all know the stress that comes with being a student. It’s not easy and sometimes you just need a break. Also due to COVID, it’s been so long since an activity like this has happened both for our class and for these university students,” Duldhardt said.  

Following several weeks of planning with Victoria Fritz, a mental well-being facilitator with Student Wellness, the event will combine two activities that are good for one’s mental health: physical activity and social interaction.  

The event reminds the community “that we aren’t alone in our struggles and that support can come from the most unexpected of places,” said Fritz. “I truly believe that mental wellness is a community effort.”  

The event will be held 1:30-2:30 p.m. Registration is not required.  

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