In the spirit of its mission to uplift high achievers during the most challenging moments, the Mas Yukawa Foundation has extended its impact to the University of Alberta by supporting the Golden Bears and Pandas Well 2 Win Program.
 
A former UBC Thunderbird student-athlete, Mas Yukawa would go on to become a successful cardiac anesthesiologist and was named Chief of Anesthesia at the Mazankowski Heart Institute in Edmonton. He was well-known as an outstanding clinician, teacher, mentor and friend, but behind the scenes Mas was dealing with a longstanding and private battle with mental illness.
 
Inspired by the legacy of Mas, the Foundation fosters environments where ambition meets compassion, and where no one feels alone. After his passing, his brother and a dedicated group of family and friends were looking to carry on his legacy, and thus the Mas Yukawa Foundation was formed.
 
“The Mas Yukawa Foundation was created on the belief that achievement shouldn’t come at any cost. We support various mental health initiatives with the goal of meeting people no matter where they are in their journey, by nurturing their ambition and fortifying their spirit,” said board member Matt Moreau. “We’re proud to support the University of Alberta’s Well 2 Win Program, providing mental health support for their student athlete population.”
 
At U of A, the Well 2 Win program stands at the forefront of student-athlete-centered mental health. It integrates psychological well-being and sport performance through multiple initiatives — including seasonal mental health screenings, subsidized counseling pathways, and peer-support networks via the START team (“Students and Athletes Rising Together”). This comprehensive program ensures that Golden Bears & Pandas athletes thrive both on and off the field.

“I had a really positive experience with the Well 2 Win Pathway. Working with varsity health staff and clinicians gave me the support to handle the ups and downs of being a student-athlete and helped me build a stronger, more resilient mindset both in and out of competition," said one UofA student-athlete. "The mental tools I developed helped me perform with excellence during my season and will continue to aid in my dual athletic and academic pursuits.”
 
Golden Bears and Pandas student-athletes face unique mental health challenges. Beyond the demands of elite athletic performance, they must also balance an intensive academic load, with various off-field factors further impacting their well-being. The support from the Mas Yukawa Foundation will further enhance support to those student-athletes throughout the varsity season.
 
“The health of our student-athletes, both mental and physical, is of the utmost importance for Golden Bears & Pandas Athletics. Ensuring that we provide mental health services to our student-athletes that are effective and efficient means student-athletes can focus on being their best self — on the playing surface, in the classroom and in life,” said Brennan Mahon, Manager, Student Athlete Services. “We are extremely grateful to the Mas Yukawa Foundation for supporting the mental health of Golden Bears & Pandas student-athletes. We look forward to fostering this partnership to ensure that our student-athletes continue to have access to the best services and support in the country.”
 
By aligning with U of A’s holistic approach to student-athlete mental wellness, the Mas Yukawa Foundation strengthens its steadfast commitment to supporting individuals who strive for excellence — guided by the belief that greatness and support go hand in hand.
 
U of A Athletics is actively looking for donations and support from the community to ensure long-term support and security for the Well 2 Win program. To read more about this initiative and how to donate, visit the webpage here.