Paige Greco relishing role in AIS Black Dog Mental Fitness Program

Paralympic gold medallist Paige Greco is accustomed to oval-shaped arenas, just maybe not as large as The Gabba.

The Australian Cycling Team star was on-hand at the Brisbane Stadium Stomp on May 1 as part of the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Black Dog Mental Fitness Program, an initiative that has Greco and 19 other athletes from 16 sports helping children with their own mental health and resilience strategies.

The Gabba fundraiser was a fun off-bike change of pace for Greco, who is preparing for the second half of her 2022 season after winning a bucketload of titles at the AusCycling Track National Championships and Oceania Cycling Championships.

“The atmosphere was so positive,” Greco said.

“It was awesome to see so many people at the event, and it was great to share what I do as a mental fitness ambassador and share how important mental fitness is.”

Greco relishes her ambassador role within the AIS Black Dog Mental Fitness Program since joining in 2021 and was proud to be part of the Stadium Stomp fundraiser to help support people with mental illness.

“The AIS Black Dog Mental Fitness Program aims to create a mentally healthier world so actioning this and educating school kids has been so rewarding,” Greco said.

“It’s critical to teach the value of mental fitness from a young age to build resilience - a key skill in staying mentally fit, and a tool to use throughout life.

“It’s important to me to highlight the benefits of positive mental health and share my experiences through sport on and off the bike.

“Mental fitness has played such a massive role in my sporting career, and I know I wouldn’t be where I am without having these skills.”

Schools and community sport organisations interested in a free AIS Black Dog Mental Fitness Presentation from one of the athlete presenters can submit a request via the AIS website.

AIS Black Dog Mental Fitness Program

Picture: John Veage