[WORLD HEALTH DAY] TEAM VITALITY LAUNCHES FIRST KARE COLLECTION SUPPORTING MENTAL HEALTH THROUGH THE TWISTEN FOUNDATION

• Team Vitality announces its collection KARE, set to launch on April 7th. All proceeds will support the Twisten Foundation's mental health initiatives.
• The KARE collection offers a range of items, all contributing to vital support for mental health challenges. Through initiatives like the KARE collection and the KARE video series, Team Vitality aims to destigmatise mental health in esports and foster dialogue.
• Esports fans can support the Twisten Foundation’s mission by visiting the shop.vitality.gg to shop KARE’s first collection.

Paris, April 7th, 2024 - Today, on World Health Day, leading esports club Team Vitality is pleased to announce KARE’s debut collection in collaboration with the Twisten Foundation, which is set to launch today.

KARE is a project launched by Team Vitality that seeks to raise awareness on the importance of mental wellbeing and to empower organisations like the Twisten Foundation to support the gaming and esports ecosystem. All proceeds raised by the collection will be donated to the French club's partner, the Twisten Foundation, which is dedicated to providing essential support and advice for people experiencing mental health problems.

Established in memory of Karel "Twisten" Ašenbrener, the gifted Czech VALORANT pro-player, the foundation stands as a testament to his memory. Motivated by their loss, Karel's family channelled their grief into providing a platform to aid young people suffering from mental health issues.

TEAM VITALITY PLAYERS WEARING KARE COLOURS

For the launch of the KARE collection, all the Team Vitality's players took an active part in the campaign to show their commitment to the cause. The strength of this collection lies above all in the fact that all proceeds will be donated to the Twisten Foundation.

The KARE collection offers a range of items for everyone, including a Hoodie (59.99€), a Tee (24.99€), a Baseball Cap (19.99€), a Tote Bag (9.99€), and a Mug (12.99€). Each product in the collection incorporates typography adorned with empowering mental health awareness mantras such as 'Life is Tough, But so are You', or 'It’s Okay Not to be Okay'. Furthermore, the Mug and Baseball Cap proudly showcase the distinctive KARE logo, adding a touch of style and solidarity to the ensemble.

"Mental health is a major topic in esports, and we felt it was our duty to launch a support movement on the subject. The first KARE collection consolidates our efforts to raise mental health awareness and support. With empowering mantras, each item promotes mental well-being. With KARE, we aim to facilitate conversations, break down stigma and cultivate a community that prioritises mental health. This collection represents a movement towards greater understanding, empathy and support for people facing mental health challenges. We are very proud of it and the symbolism it represents. With KARE, Team Vitality is consolidating its CSR activities, a major pillar of its overall strategy." said Amélie Canet, Fan Activities Director at Team Vitality

‘Life is Tough, But So Are You’ Hoodie

• ‘Life is Tough, But So Are You’, Purple Hoodie - 59,99€
• Velouria “Viki” Baty - League of Legends player
• Kimmie “Kicks” Laasner - VALORANT player

‘It’s Okay Not to be Okay’ Tee

• ‘It’s Okay Not to be Okay’ White Tee - 24,99€
• Shahar “flameZ” Shushan - CS2 player
• Dan "apEX" Madesclaire - CS2 player

‘Every Day is a Fresh Start’ Tote bag

• ‘Every day is a Fresh Start’ Tote bag - 9,99€
• Madison "CrowMac" Coutelet - League of Legends player

KARE Baseball Cap and Mug

• KARE Baseball Cream Cap, 19,99€ and KARE mug -12,99€
• Shahar “flameZ” Shushan - CS2 player
• William "mezii" Merriman - CS2 player

EVERY PURCHASE FROM KARE COLLECTION SUPPORTS TWISTEN FOUNDATION ACTIVITIES

The Twisten Foundation aims to extend a support to teenagers grappling with mental health challenges, echoing alarming statistics highlighting the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and suicide among Czech youth. Through advocacy and support, the foundation strives to nurture resilience, foster hope, and save young lives.

With the funds raised, the Foundation will be able to contribute to three distinct projects tailored to various needs such as:

• #KAREme, a discreet and supportive service for young people in crisis, providing 30-minute online chats with trained specialists. With privacy ensured through audio-only sessions, participants receive guidance in a safe and confidential setting.
• #KAREtalk amplifies mental health awareness through engaging podcasts featuring a diverse array of influencers, streamers, players and psychologists. It aims to lift the taboo on discussing mental health publicly by providing a platform for honest discussions on mental health.
• #KAREwe recognises the importance of parental involvement. It prepares to launch online group consultations for parents providing support on how to recognise and help their children's mental health struggles.

"We would like to thank Team Vitality for their commitment to our Foundation. The KARE collection aims to help educate young people about mental health issues far beyond esports and gaming. We hope it will continue to encourage dialogue and support for those most affected. All the funds raised will help finance multiple activities and have a real impact with the most sensitive people.” said Ivana Ašenbrenerová, Founder and Chairman of the Board of the Twisten Foundation

TEAM VITALITY’S KARE COLLECTION STRENGTHENS ITS COMMITMENT TO MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS

KARE, Team Vitality's project collaboration with the Twisten Foundation, reaffirms its strong commitment to raising awareness regarding mental health challenges in the industry. Recognising the pivotal role of mental well-being, the club prioritises awareness, prevention, and action for players, fans, and industry members.

Released this year, Team Vitality's KARE Series offers a glimpse into the personal journeys of its players, coaches, managers, and staff, shed light on the often overlooked aspect of mental health within esports. Through powerful and intimate testimonials, members of Team Vitality share their experiences, struggles, and triumphs, providing valuable insights into navigating challenging periods and supporting loved ones. These videos aim to humanise esports by showcasing the complex realities individuals face behind the screens, resonating with fans of all ages.

"Today marks a milestone for Team Vitality’s mental health project as we launch KARE's first collection, supporting our commitment to progressing mental health awareness in esports and gaming, in memory of our beloved Karel “Twisten” Ašenbrener,. With each purchase, fans are helping us to encourage dialogue on the difficult and complex subject of mental health within our industry. KARE is a movement toward greater empathy and support for those facing mental health challenges." said Fabien “Neo” Devide, Co-founder and Chairman of Team Vitality