A MESSAGE FROM THE FOUNDER
“BMS” stands for Body, Mind and Spirit. We believe that sports participation is a wonderful opportunity to learn grow and become productive citizens… it should be fun and enjoyable too. We strive to ensure that remains the case.
The BMS Project is dedicated to assisting sports advocates to create safe, positive competitive experiences; as well as to promote mental health awareness and contributing to suicide prevention for athletes and their families by providing information, suggested resources and educational guidance. Paraphrased, I am often quoted as saying, “…the reasons that we shouldn’t be doing this are the same reasons that it must be done; therefore, it shall be done!”
Our early-step advice is offered in good faith, but should not be considered to be the only or the best option(s) available. Personal, individual discretionary decisions should always be exercised based on what you determine what is in your personal best interests. We are not a substitute for professional diagnosis and/or treatment, but we are committed to be part of the solution.
ABOUT US
The experience of participating in sports and competitive activities can be an important contributor to the lives of youngsters and adults alike. Today, our athletes are faced with more negative external influences on their mental health than at any other time in recent history. The isolation—both physical and psychological—and uncertainty of the Covid-19 pandemic and the deluge of social media posts by friends and “foes” can provoke negativity and havoc in regards to athletes’ state-of-mind. These forces have been a contributor to an exponential increase in the demand for mental health services — both at mental health provider facilities and from counselors/therapists.
As you peruse this site, know that its intention is to contribute to athletes’ safety and well-being; as well as to provide early-step, easy-to-access mental health resources for athletes of all ages, parents, youth sports leagues, coaches, officials and school counselors who are making a positive difference. In addition to the mental stresses associated with modern society, athletes are endangered by predators and other sources of misconduct. To those who influence today’s athletes, we must remain cognizant and vigilant to safety threats, as well as how our athletes are coping with mental and emotional stresses.
WHO WE ARE
The BMS Project is a nonprofit, diverse organization made-up of associates, affiliates, community leaders, business people, philanthropists and mental health professionals across the U.S. We are also parents and coaches who support competitive endeavors while remaining sensitive about the potential impact of competition on physical well-being, as well as mental health.
WHAT WE DO
The BMS Project assists individuals, organizations, institutions, youth leagues, parents, coaches and other sports advocates to create balanced, healthy, safe competitive environments in which young participants can thrive, develop and grow.
The most important feature of our approach is to provide concierge-like informative suggestions and resources enabling users to be able to evaluate and identify possible solutions to address their concerns.
To assist users, we contribute to the understanding and identification of potential safety and life-satisfaction concerns. We then provide simple, step-by-step, practical suggestions and assistance that address physical development and athletes’ safety, as well as secular mental health and spiritual well-being needs.
HOW WE DO IT
The BMS Project provides public domain and proprietary educational and informative, advisory materials, along with referrals to qualified mental health service providers; along with other resources associated with both physical and spiritual needs.
In 2023, the BMS “Play Safe 2day Program in a Package” was introduced. That program provides valuable, insightful tips to coaches, parents and athletes; as well as carrying important messaging regarding how to locate and vet therapists and counselors. Additionally, all BMS resources and tools inform recipients how to quickly access assistance and/or to report misconduct behavior.
WHERE WE ARE
Our Corporate Headquarters are located in Kansas City, Missouri, and our Advisory Board consists of members located throughout the U.S. We work nationally through existing youth organizations, affiliates, institutions and other nonprofit organizations that share our ideals and common goals.
Our initial local chapters are located in Kansas City, Missouri and Nashville, Tennessee. We anticipate establishing our next local chapter in Minneapolis, Minnesota; then beyond.