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Team Unbreakable was established in 2006 to address the pressing need for enhanced youth mental health support. Recognizing the profound impact of physical activity on mental well-being, a group of dedicated individuals launched a youth running initiative aimed at promoting mental health through structured physical activity.

The program was originally designed in partnership with the University of Toronto’s Mental Health for Physical Activity Research Centre at the Faculty of Kinesiology. While Team Unbreakable’s roots are based on this collaboration, the program has since evolved, incorporating the latest research in mental health, physical activity, and education to create comprehensive, user-focused resources for youth.

Initially serving high schools and middle schools in Ontario's Halton and Peel regions, the program expanded its reach with the assistance of Ontario Trillium Foundation Grants. This growth facilitated partnerships with hospitals, community health agencies, and family health teams, broadening the program's impact.

In 2018, to better reflect its mission of fostering resilience and strength among youth, the organization rebranded as Team Unbreakable. Today, it continues to empower young individuals by combining physical activity with mental health education, striving to build unbreakable spirits through the transformative power of running.

The program is designed for students in Grades 1 to 12, aligning with the expectations of the Ontario Health and Physical Education Curriculum. To address the unique needs of different age groups, we have developed age-appropriate materials that are regularly updated and refined, ensuring the program remains engaging and effective for students at every stage of their development. Additionally, the program can be used as an active component of Health and Physical Education programs or adapted by guidance counsellors and social work professionals to support student well-being.

At Team Unbreakable, we respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal information. We collect only what is necessary, such as names and emails, to provide program updates, resources, and event information. We do not sell or share your data with third parties, except as required by law. You can opt out of communications or request access, updates, or deletion of your information at any time by contacting us at info@teamunbreakable.ca

The program is flexible and can be implemented in various ways. Some schools run it as part of the physical education curriculum, integrating it directly into their teaching schedule, while others offer it as an extracurricular club to engage students outside of regular class time. Additionally, community health leaders frequently run the program, bringing its benefits to broader audiences beyond schools. This versatility allows the program to adapt to different settings and meet the needs of diverse participants.

The Team Unbreakable program equips students with essential skills to manage their mental health and build resilience. Through running, goal setting, and self-monitoring, students learn to reflect on their progress and develop coping strategies such as relaxation techniques, mindfulness, and positive self-talk. These tools help students boost their confidence, improve their mental well-being, and gain a deeper understanding of their abilities, empowering them to maintain good mental health and prevent potential issues in the future. 

Team Unbreakable hosts two flagship 5K events each year: the "Bold and Cold 5K" in November and the "Fun and Fearless 5K" in June. These events welcome participants of all ages and abilities, celebrating the connection between physical activity and mental health. We also collaborate with schools to help them organize their own running events, fostering well-being in their communities.

Yes, schools and community organizations are welcome to host events. We encourage collaborations with nearby schools to organize joint events, fostering a greater sense of community and promoting shared goals of mental and physical well-being.

Schools typically register as a single entity, encompassing participation from multiple classes. However, the program is flexible and can also be run within individual classes or smaller groups, depending on your school’s specific needs. To track success, reach, and growth, we measure participation by the number of schools involved. Community leaders are asked to delineate individual schools participating in their programs. For multiple distinct programs within a single school, we track each one separately to better understand their unique impact. If the registration process feels complicated, we’d be happy to assist you.

Thank you for your interest—we’d love to have you on board! Whether you want to lead a program, help out at events, or support us behind the scenes, we can always use a helping hand. Signing up is easy—just head over to our Program Page. We can’t wait to welcome you to the team!

Yes, the program is designed to be an active component of Health and Physical Education programs. It aligns seamlessly with the expectations and philosophy of the Ontario Health and Physical Education Curriculum for Grades 1 to 12, ensuring it meets the standards required by school boards for implementation.

We provide essential resources to support both program leaders and participants, ensuring the program is delivered effectively and successfully. These include comprehensive program leader training and a detailed program leader booklet. For those teaching the program as part of the curriculum, we also offer online access to a suite of materials, including instructional videos, presentation slides, and student booklets. These resources are specifically designed to facilitate seamless implementation and engagement.

Our program is completely free. It aims to support youth mental health by encouraging physical activity and teaching self-management strategies. 

Yes, schools across Canada can participate. We’ve successfully run programs with schools and organizations in Alberta, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia.