GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro Swarm, the NBA G League affiliate of the Charlotte Hornets, today unveiled its themed jersey for Mental Health Awareness Night, presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC), set for Friday, March 27, at 7 p.m. ET against the College Park Skyhawks.
The night will feature dedicated programming and youth-focused in-game elements centered on support and open conversation, with the first 1,000 fans receiving bracelets bearing encouraging messages such as “Strong” and “U R Enough.”
“Mental Health Awareness Night is about more than basketball – it’s an opportunity for our community to come together, celebrate resilience and start meaningful conversations about mental health,” said Steve Sweotha, President of the Greensboro Swarm. “We’re proud to partner with Blue Cross NC and the Kellin Foundation to showcase these powerful messages from children, and to use our platform to remind everyone that it’s okay to ask for help and that every voice matters.”
The jersey features a black base with green accents – the universal color of mental health awareness – serving as a symbol of support, resilience, and open conversation.
Members of the Kellin Foundation’s “Hope Hub” program played an integral role in the design, contributing children’s handwritten messages such as “It’s ok to not be ok” and “Words matter,” accompanied by hand-drawn hearts. One heart prominently features the green ribbon, a widely recognized symbol of hope, strength, and solidarity in the effort to reduce stigma surrounding mental health.
In addition, children from the Kellin Foundation created custom bracelets and handwritten letters of encouragement for players and staff, which coaches will wear on the sidelines throughout the game. All game-worn jerseys will be auctioned at one.bidpal.net, with proceeds benefiting the Kellin Foundation to support mental health awareness and provide resources for individuals in need.
As part of its broader commitment to youth mental health and resiliency, Blue Cross NC partners with community organizations to help reduce stigma, encourage open conversations about mental health, and connect young people and families to mental health support. Blue Cross NC is also bringing Youth Mental Health First Aid training to all 100 counties across the state. The training equips adults who regularly interact with young people with tools to recognize signs of mental health challenges and respond in ways that foster a safe, supportive environment.
Tickets for the Swarm’s Mental Health Awareness Night matchup remain available and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com or by calling 336-907-3600.