HOUSTON — The Vernon Maxwell Initiative held its inaugural golf tournament and Mental Health Symposium this week, with event organizers describing each event as a resounding success.
Led by the former NBA player, who won the 1994 championship with the Houston Rockets, Wednesday’s golf tournament was filled with friendly competition, camaraderie, and a shared commitment to advancing mental health awareness within the sports community.
Buy Rockets Tickets“My goal was to provide athletes with a supportive space where they feel heard and can find help for their mental well-being and progress,” Maxwell said to reporters.
Participants included former NBA players Metta World Peace, Otis Thorpe, Mario Elie, Gerald Green, DJ Augustin, Derek Harper, Cadillac Anderson, Ryan Hollins, and Trevor Ariza; former NFL players Yancey Thigpen and Vince Young; Houston City Council member Amanda Edwards; and professional long driver and 2022 XLD Texas League champion John Zook, whose team finished first.
“Metta coming and being a part of the symposium was big,” Maxwell said. “I’m really happy that my former teammates like Mario Elie and Otis Thorpe, and my young guys like Trevor Ariza and DJ Augustin, came and played. It means a lot that everyone came to support.”
“Life Enhancement Services and DraftKings were a huge help for this tournament, and I can’t wait for this to expand and grow,” Maxwell said of his fuutre plans. “Mental health is real, and the Vernon Maxwell Initiative is an opportunity for me to help not just athletes but people from all walks of life understand that it’s okay to ask for help. Your mind should be worked out, just like your body.”
Going forward, the initiative’s golf tournament will be an annual event, with Maxwell continuing to dedicate himself to fostering accessible and viable mental health options for athletes of all ages.
Here’s a roundup of photos and videos from this week’s activities.
Vernon Maxwell Initiative events
An honor to host Vernon Maxwell’s inaugural mental health symposium featuring Metta World Peace & community leaders.
Vulnerable conversations about therapy, stigmas surrounding Black men and mental health, and more. Bravo @VernonMaxwell11 @MettaWorld37 👏🏼 pic.twitter.com/iVFXXZ7zej
— Vanessa Richardson (@SportsVanessa) September 20, 2023
"This is my second chapter of my life, where I'm supposed to be at, and that's why I'm so passionate about it."
I caught up with former Rockets guard @VernonMaxwell11 to discuss the calling he's found in his post-NBA life.https://t.co/PZyfGbuY8G
— Josh Criswell (@criswell_sports) September 22, 2023
MAD MAX IS READY!
We out here for @VernonMaxwell11 Mental Health Symposium featuring special guest @MettaWorld37 and @SportsVanessa ! https://t.co/hArkQDRtyg pic.twitter.com/PFkMvh8vQo
— Apollo NBA (@ApolloNBA) September 20, 2023
