Boise State Athletics
Boise State Athletics Announces Mental Health Awareness Games
1/13/2026 5:13:00 PM | General, Men's Basketball, Women's Basketball, Women's Gymnastics
Winter sport programs to spotlight mental health resources and support
BOISE, Idaho – Boise State Athletics, in partnership with BroncoBOLD, a student-athlete-led mental health initiative, has announced a series of designated Mental Health Awareness BOLD games and competitions during the winter sports season. These events are designed to highlight the importance of mental health, encourage help-seeking behaviors, and foster a culture of care across Bronco Nation and the greater community. Designated BOLD games/competitions will all be held at ExtraMile Arena and include the following.
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Friday, Jan. 16 |
Men's Basketball vs. Colorado State at 8:30 p.m. |
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Friday, Jan. 30 |
Gymnastics vs. Air Force, Utah State, and Sac State at 7 p.m. |
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Saturday, Jan. 31 |
Women's Basketball vs. San Jose State at 2 p.m. |
"Mental health impacts everyone," said Boise State Director of Athletics Jeramiah Dickey. "Through BroncoBOLD and our Mental Health Awareness BOLD games, we are bringing student-athletes, fans, schools, and community partners together to normalize the conversation, highlight available resources, and show that asking for help is a sign of strength. We are grateful for our BroncoBOLD team led by Stephanie Donaldson, our student-athlete ambassadors, and our high school ambassadors in leading this effort as well as their passion for this important subject!"
At each event, Bronco Athletics staff and student-athletes will engage fans by distributing complimentary Mental Health Matters t-shirts and clear stadium bags, while also sharing information about available mental health resources. Fans are encouraged to participate by sharing how they support mental health by filling out and displaying a cause card during the event. These will be available in the lobbies at ExtraMile Arena.
Throughout each game, student-athletes, coaches, and staff will wear green ribbon patches and BroncoBOLD apparel to visibly demonstrate their commitment to mental health advocacy.
Additional fan activations will take place during the gymnastics meet and women's basketball game, including a "Signs of Strength" activity and a green ribbon station, offering fans meaningful ways to engage in the conversation around mental wellness.
During halftime of the men's basketball game, Boise State will recognize the 16 BroncoBOLD High School Ambassador schools for their leadership and impact through mental health activations within their schools and local communities.
"BroncoBOLD has given our students the confidence and platform to lead conversations around mental health in our school and throughout our community," said Emily Wright, school counselor and BOLD advisor, Glenns Ferry High School. "For students in the Treasure Valley and our rural communities, this partnership shows that their voices matter and their leadership can create real change. Being recognized by Boise State Athletics reinforces that mental wellness starts with empowering young people and supporting them wherever they live and learn."
The BroncoBOLD High School Ambassador Program is a three-year initiative that provides education, resources, and tools to empower motivated high school students and administrators to become mental health advocates on their campuses.
Throughout the academic year, the 16 participating schools will collectively host more than 400 BOLD Games at their respective campuses, creating visible moments of mental health awareness and support across their communities.
Last fall, BroncoBOLD's annual Chalk the Walk for Mental Health united more than 75 primary and secondary schools across Southern Idaho, marking an 87% increase from the previous year and more than doubling student participation, demonstrating the power of a growing, community-wide commitment to mental health.
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a mental health crisis, please dial 9-8-8 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or call the Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline at 208-398-4357.
For more information on current suicide research, visit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
About BroncoBOLD
In 2019, BroncoBOLD was created by a committee of Boise State student-athletes, representing multiple sport programs. All committee members were passionate about mental health advocacy work and dedicated themselves to championing a message of hope, help, and resiliency with fellow student-athletes and their community utilizing the platform of sport. Visit BroncoBOLD to learn more.
About BroncoBOLD High School Ambassador Program
The BroncoBOLD H.S. Ambassador Program is a three-year program designed to provide education and tools to support motivated high school students and administrators to become active leaders and advocates of mental health on their campus and in their community. The program was made possible through a generous grant from locally based Holland M. Ware Charitable Foundation. About 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the United States and its territories. The 988 Lifeline consists of a national network of over 200 local crisis centers, combining local care and resources with national standards and best practices.
* Green is the designated color for mental health awareness because it symbolizes hope and resilience. The color is associated with life, renewal, nature, and energy, and is thought to have healing properties. It is also the color of balance, growth, and harmony. Green is used in mental health awareness campaigns to encourage people to speak out, get help, and act.
