BMM Testlabs is pleased to report that its Next Generation Initiative is continuing to provide access to financial resources in support of Native American youth, health and education causes.
BMM was proud to support the #CodePurple bowling tournament that was held in conjunction with the Indian National Rodeo Finals last week at the South Point Hotel and Casino, in Las Vegas.
#CodePurple was created to promote awareness about the significant increase in tribal teen suicide by Faith Holyan, winner of the 2016 World Championship in the Ladies Breakaway and 2014/2015 INFR Women’s All Around World Championships. A prominent INFR figure and a role model for young and upcoming leaders, Faith is also the 2016 Arizona High School Breakaway Champion, a member of the Arizona High School National team, 2016 Cinch Team, and a seven times INFR qualifier.
Faith commented, “I think that as Native Youth we have so many struggles and feel like our obstacles are bigger than our life. Suicide among Native Americans is very common between the ages of 15-24. If we could all start to use #CodePurple with others and spread it to our target group that would be awesome. So many times we wait until after the fact to say we should have done something and then it’s too late. We all are on the same team; we all have struggles; we all can help one another and we can be there for each other.”
Jodi DiLascio, BMM’s Director, Tribal Gaming added, “BMM Testlabs is honored to have been able to support the efforts of Faith and #CodePurple through our Next Generation Initiative. Faith is raising awareness of what has become all too common on reservations across the country. It is BMM’s hope that our financial support can help in some small way, to make a difference in a young person’s life who may be struggling.”
Faith concluded, “Purple is one of the colors for suicide awareness. If anyone gets a message #CodePurple let’s stop what we are doing, reach out, or use it as a way to ask for help.”
