BEND
V E R S U S
BREAK
Helping Youth Grow Through
What They Go Through
Bend vs Break helps young people build confidence, resilience, identity, and self compassion through sport, storytelling, mentorship, and lived experience.
BEND VS. BREAK
Helping Youth Grow Through
What They Go Through
Bend vs Break helps young people build confidence, resilience, identity, and self compassion through sport, storytelling, mentorship, and lived experience.
REAL CONNECTION.
REAL IMPACT.
Founded by Jared Casey & Emerson Murray, Bend vs Break delivers meaningful talks, youth programs, and community experiences for schools, First Nations communities, conferences, teams, and organizations across Canada.
Life brings pressure. Bend vs Break teaches young people how to grow through what they go through.
REAL CONNECTION.
REAL IMPACT.
Founded by Jared Casey & Emerson Murray, Bend vs Break delivers meaningful talks, youth programs, and community experiences for schools, First Nations communities, conferences, teams, and organizations across Canada.
Life brings pressure. Bend vs Break teaches young people how to grow through what they go through.
Beyond the Stage
MORE THAN
MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKING
Bend vs Break was never created to deliver surface-level inspiration.
Our mission is to create real connections through vulnerability, honesty, lived experience, and meaningful conversations that help young people feel seen, heard, and understood.
Through storytelling, sport, mentorship, gaming, leadership conversations, and authentic dialogue, we help youth build self-compassion, resilience, confidence, and identity that lasts beyond the moment.
When young people feel safe enough to be vulnerable, real growth begins.
Beyond the Stage
MORE THAN
MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKING
When young people feel safe enough to be vulnerable, real growth begins.
Bend vs Break was never created to deliver surface-level inspiration.
Our mission is to create real connections through vulnerability, honesty, lived experience, and meaningful conversations that help young people feel seen, heard, and understood.
Through storytelling, sport, mentorship, gaming, leadership conversations, and authentic dialogue, we help youth build self-compassion, resilience, confidence, and identity that lasts beyond the moment.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
THE BEND VS. BREAK
PHILOSOPHY
Young people today face challenges that test their confidence, identity, and belief in themselves.
Bend vs Break was created to help youth understand that resilience is not
about avoiding pressure, it's about learning how to face it without losing yourself.
Through sport, mentorship, storytelling, and honest conversations, we help young people develop the leadership and confidence they need to navigate adversity and build meaningful futures.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
THE BEND VS. BREAK
PHILOSOPHY
Young people today face challenges that test their confidence, identity, and belief in themselves.
Bend vs Break was created to help youth understand that resilience is not
about avoiding pressure, it's about learning how to face it without losing yourself.
Through sport, mentorship, storytelling, and honest conversations, we help young people develop the leadership and confidence they need to navigate adversity and build meaningful futures.
real STORIES
CONNECTION THROUGH
COMMUNITY
Over recent community wellness visits and youth leadership events, Bend vs Break connected with more than 500 youth through conversations centered around resilience, identity, vulnerability, confidence, and mental wellness.
Although many of the conversations involved heavy topics, the experience became deeply uplifting through authentic connection, storytelling, gaming, sport, mentorship, and honest dialogue.
Our goal is never to simply speak at youth.
It is to listen, connect, and create spaces where young people feel safe enough to be themselves.
Resilience is not about pretending to be strong.
It is about learning how to grow through
what you go through.
One of the most powerful moments came when a young man shared that our words truly meant something to him and opened up about struggles he had been carrying quietly.
Another unforgettable moment came when a young person prepared and delivered food they had hunted themselves after hearing Emerson mention he had never tried it before.
The kindness, sincerity, and thoughtfulness behind that gesture reflected the depth of connection that can happen when young people feel genuinely seen and valued.
Through sport, storytelling, vulnerability, and lived experience, Bend vs Break creates spaces where youth feel comfortable opening up, connecting, and growing together.
real STORIES
CONNECTION THROUGH
COMMUNITY
Our goal is never to simply speak at youth.
It is to listen, connect, and create spaces where young people feel safe enough to be themselves.
Over recent community wellness visits and youth leadership events, Bend vs Break connected with more than 500 youth through conversations centered around resilience, identity, vulnerability, confidence, and mental wellness.
Although many of the conversations involved heavy topics, the experience became deeply uplifting through authentic connection, storytelling, gaming, sport, mentorship, and honest dialogue.
Resilience is not about pretending to be strong. It is about learning how to grow through what you go through.
One of the most powerful moments came when a young man shared that our words truly meant something to him and opened up about struggles he had been carrying quietly.
Another unforgettable moment came when a young person prepared and delivered food they had hunted themselves after hearing Emerson mention he had never tried it before.
The kindness, sincerity, and thoughtfulness behind that gesture reflected the depth of connection that can happen when young people feel genuinely seen and valued.
Through sport, storytelling, vulnerability, and lived experience, Bend vs Break creates spaces where youth feel comfortable opening up, connecting, and growing together.
THE TEAM
MEET THE FOUNDERS
JARED CASEY
PRIMARY SPEAKER | CO-FOUNDER
Member of the Haida Nation, former NCAA Division I basketball player, and former Director of Strategic Policy with the First Nations Health Authority. Jared holds an MBA from UBC's Sauder School of Business (ranked 2nd in his cohort) and a BBA in Finance from Seattle University, graduating magna cum laude.
Young people need spaces where they
feel seen, heard, and believed in.
During and after his athletic career, Jared faced significant challenges with mental health and anxiety — experiences that led him to speak openly about his journey to help others feel less alone. His story has been featured in CBC News and other media
.
Today, Jared delivers impactful presentations focused on suicide prevention, mental wellness, identity, and resilience — helping young people build the tools needed to navigate adversity and strengthen their sense of belonging.
EMERSON MURRAY
CO-FOUNDER
Former NCAA Division I & professional basketball player, founder of Jumpshot Generosity & Klinik Athletics. Emerson works directly with schools, school boards, First Nations communities, and organizations across British Columbia to deliver high-impact youth programs.
Confidence grows when young people realize what they're capable of.
His work combines real athletic experience, mentorship, and program development to help youth build confidence, resilience, and leadership through sport. He also supports organizations in identifying funding opportunities through creative partnerships, sponsorships, and grant-aligned initiatives.
Emerson has delivered 500+ camps, sessions & workshops, impacted 2,500+ youth participants, and provided 800+ pairs of shoes and equipment to young people across 20+ schools and communities in BC.
THE TEAM
MEET THE FOUNDERS
JARED CASEY
PRIMARY SPEAKER | CO-FOUNDER
Member of the Haida Nation, former NCAA Division I basketball player, and former Director of Strategic Policy with the First Nations Health Authority. Jared holds an MBA from UBC's Sauder School of Business (ranked 2nd in his cohort) and a BBA in Finance from Seattle University, graduating magna cum laude.
Young people need spaces where they
feel seen, heard, and believed in.
During and after his athletic career, Jared faced significant challenges with mental health and anxiety — experiences that led him to speak openly about his journey to help others feel less alone. His story has been featured in CBC News and other media
.
Today, Jared delivers impactful presentations focused on suicide prevention, mental wellness, identity, and resilience — helping young people build the tools needed to navigate adversity and strengthen their sense of belonging.
EMERSON MURRAY
CO-FOUNDER
Former NCAA Division I & professional basketball player, founder of Jumpshot Generosity & Klinik Athletics. Emerson works directly with schools, school boards, First Nations communities, and organizations across British Columbia to deliver high-impact youth programs.
Confidence grows when young people realize what they're capable of.
His work combines real athletic experience, mentorship, and program development to help youth build confidence, resilience, and leadership through sport. He also supports organizations in identifying funding opportunities through creative partnerships, sponsorships, and grant-aligned initiatives.
Emerson has delivered 500+ camps, sessions & workshops, impacted 2,500+ youth participants, and provided 800+ pairs of shoes and equipment to young people across 20+ schools and communities in BC.
WHO WE WORK WITH
COMMUNITIES WE SERVE
We partner with communities and organizations across Canada to deliver meaningful experiences that help young people build leadership, confidence, and resilience.
First Nations
Communities
Conferences
and Events
Schools
and School Districts
Youth
Organizations
Corporate
Engagements
Sports Teams
and Athletic Programs
WHO WE WORK WITH
COMMUNITIES WE SERVE
We partner with communities and organizations across Canada to deliver meaningful experiences that help young people build leadership, confidence, and resilience.
First Nations
Communities
Conferences
and Events
Schools
and School Districts
Youth
Organizations
Corporate
Engagements
Sports Teams
and Athletic Programs
WHAT WE DO
OUR PROGRAMS
Keynote Speaking
Powerful talks for conferences, schools, and organizations focused on confidence, resilience, leadership, and overcoming adversity.
First Nations Youth Programs
Community-based programs that combine sport, mentorship, and mental wellness conversations to help youth build identity, leadership, and confidence.
School Leadership Sessions
Interactive sessions that help students develop resilience, communication skills, leadership, and self-belief.
Team & Leadership Workshops
Workshops for sports teams, youth leaders, and organizations focused on mindset, teamwork, discipline, and confidence.
From innovative ideas to seamless execution, our digital expertise
helps your brand rise above the competition.
WHAT WE DO
OUR PROGRAMS
Keynote Speaking
Powerful talks for conferences, schools, and organizations focused on confidence, resilience, leadership, and overcoming adversity.
First Nations Youth Programs
Community-based programs that combine sport, mentorship, and mental wellness conversations to help youth build identity, leadership, and confidence.
School Leadership Sessions
Interactive sessions that help students develop resilience, communication skills, leadership, and self-belief.
Team & Leadership Workshops
Workshops for sports teams, youth leaders, and organizations focused on mindset, teamwork, discipline, and confidence.
From innovative ideas to seamless execution, our digital expertise helps your brand rise above the competition.
OUR REACH
COMMUNITY IMPACT
Bend vs Break programs are designed to help youth develop:
CONFIDENCE
LEADERSHIP
RESILIENCE
IDENTITY
BELONGING
500+
Youth Sessions Delivered
2500+
Youth Participants
20+
Schools & Communities Served
Hundreds
of Youth Supported Through Sport & Mentorship
Our mission is simple: help young people build the confidence and resilience
they need to navigate life.
OUR REACH
COMMUNITY IMPACT
Bend vs Break programs are designed to help youth develop:
CONFIDENCE
LEADERSHIP
RESILIENCE
IDENTITY
BELONGING
500+
Youth Sessions Delivered
2500+
Youth Participants
20+
Schools & Communities Served
Hundreds
of Youth Supported Through Sport & Mentorship
Our mission is simple: help young people build the confidence and resilience they need to navigate life.
WATCH AND SEE
BEND VS. BREAK IN ACTION
Watch clips from our speaking engagements, youth programs, interactions with students, and community events to understand the energy and impact of Bend vs Break.
WATCH AND SEE
BEND VS. BREAK IN ACTION
Watch clips from our speaking engagements, youth programs, interactions with students, and community events to understand the energy and impact of Bend vs Break.
OUR BELIEFS
THE FIVE PILLARS OF
BEND VS. BREAK
From innovative ideas to seamless execution, our digital expertise helps your brand rise above the competition.
01
VULNERABILITY
Vulnerability breeds vulnerability.
And vulnerability is where healing begins.
We believe young people grow strongest when they feel safe enough to be honest about what they are carrying. Bend vs Break creates spaces where vulnerability spreads through connection, trust, and authentic conversation.
Our goal is never to simply speak at youth.
It is to listen, connect, and create spaces where young people feel safe enough to be themselves.
02
SELF COMPASSION
You cannot hate yourself into becoming who you want to be.
Many young people tie their worth to results, mistakes, failures, or the opinions of others. We teach youth how to give themselves grace while still growing, learning, and moving forward.
Growth begins when self judgement ends.
03
CONFIDENCE
Real confidence is built — not given.
Confidence is not pretending to have all the answers. It is learning how to trust yourself through pressure, setbacks, adversity, and uncertainty.
Confidence grows through experience, preparation, and self belief.
04
AUTHENTICITY
The strongest thing a young person can become is themselves.
We believe authenticity creates freedom. Young people should not feel pressure to perform, hide, or become someone else to be accepted. Bend vs Break encourages youth to embrace who they truly are.
Connection begins where pretending ends.
05
TRUSTING YOURSELF
Your life changes when you stop abandoning yourself.
Many young people lose themselves trying to meet expectations, avoid failure, or gain approval. Bend vs Break helps youth reconnect with their instincts, their voice, and their own inner belief system.
Trust yourself enough to keep going.
FIVE PILLARS
ONE MOVEMENT
If you are looking for a meaningful experience that connects with youth and leaves a lasting impact, Bend vs Break would love to work with your school, community, or organization.
OUR BELIEFS
THE FIVE PILLARS OF
BEND VS. BREAK
From innovative ideas to seamless execution, our digital expertise helps your brand rise above the competition.
01 VULNERABILITY
Our goal is never to simply speak at youth.
It is to listen, connect, and create spaces where young people feel safe enough to be themselves.
Vulnerability breeds vulnerability.
And vulnerability is where healing begins.
We believe young people grow strongest when they feel safe enough to be honest about what they are carrying. Bend vs Break creates spaces where vulnerability spreads through connection, trust, and authentic conversation.
02 SELF COMPASSION
Growth begins when self judgement ends.
You cannot hate yourself into becoming who you want to be.
Many young people tie their worth to results, mistakes, failures, or the opinions of others. We teach youth how to give themselves grace while still growing, learning, and moving forward.
03 CONFIDENCE
Confidence grows through experience, preparation, and self belief.
Real confidence is built — not given.
Confidence is not pretending to have all the answers. It is learning how to trust yourself through pressure, setbacks, adversity, and uncertainty.
04 AUTHENTICITY
Connection begins where pretending ends.
The strongest thing a young person can become is themselves.
We believe authenticity creates freedom. Young people should not feel pressure to perform, hide, or become someone else to be accepted. Bend vs Break encourages youth to embrace who they truly are.
05 TRUSTING YOURSELF
Trust yourself enough to keep going.
Your life changes when you stop abandoning yourself.
Many young people lose themselves trying to meet expectations, avoid failure, or gain approval. Bend vs Break helps youth reconnect with their instincts, their voice, and their own inner belief system.
FIVE PILLARS
ONE MOVEMENT
If you are looking for a meaningful experience that connects with youth and leaves a lasting impact, Bend vs Break would love to work with your school, community, or organization.
TRUSTED BY COMMUNITIES ACROSS NORTH AMERICA
COMMUNITIES & ORGANIZATIONS
WE'VE WORKED WITH
Bend vs Break partners with schools, Indigenous communities, youth organizations, conferences, and leadership groups across North America to create meaningful conversations around resilience, identity, vulnerability, and growth.
Through sport, storytelling, and authentic human connection, we’re helping young people feel seen, heard, and supported.
TRUSTED BY COMMUNITIES ACROSS NORTH AMERICA
COMMUNITIES & ORGANIZATIONS
WE'VE WORKED WITH
Bend vs Break partners with schools, Indigenous communities, youth organizations, conferences, and leadership groups across North America to create meaningful conversations around resilience, identity, vulnerability, and growth.
Through sport, storytelling, and authentic human connection, we’re helping young people feel seen, heard, and supported.
MERCH
WEAR THE MESSAGE
Minimal apparel designed to represent resilience, identity, leadership, and growth through adversity.
MERCH
WEAR THE MESSAGE
Minimal apparel designed to represent resilience, identity, leadership, and growth through adversity.
TESTIMONIALS
WHAT COMMUNITIES SAY
The Bend vs Break sessions created a space where our students could openly engage in conversations around resilience, identity, and self-worth. What stood out most was your team’s authentic and relatable approach. You connected with our students in a way that made them feel seen, heard, and valued, which is especially important in a small, close-knit community like ours.
We observed strong engagement throughout the sessions. Students who are typically quiet were participating, reflecting, and connecting emotionally to the content. That level of engagement speaks to the trust you were able to build in a short time.
Programs like this are critical for our youth. Many of our students navigate unique social and emotional challenges, and providing them with tools for resilience, confidence, and self-compassion is essential for both their academic success and overall well-being.
IWould absolutely recommend Bend vs Break to other schools and communities. The work you are doing is impactful, relevant, and needed, especially in rural and Indigenous communities where relationships and trust are foundational.
Thank you again for your time, care, and commitment to our students and community. You are always welcome in Hydaburg, and we look forward to continuing this partnership.
Robert Freeman
Superintendent
Hydaburg School District, AK
TESTIMONIALS
WHAT COMMUNITIES SAY
The Bend vs Break sessions created a space where our students could openly engage in conversations around resilience, identity, and self-worth. What stood out most was your team’s authentic and relatable approach. You connected with our students in a way that made them feel seen, heard, and valued, which is especially important in a small, close-knit community like ours.
We observed strong engagement throughout the sessions. Students who are typically quiet were participating, reflecting, and connecting emotionally to the content. That level of engagement speaks to the trust you were able to build in a short time.
Programs like this are critical for our youth. Many of our students navigate unique social and emotional challenges, and providing them with tools for resilience, confidence, and self-compassion is essential for both their academic success and overall well-being.
IWould absolutely recommend Bend vs Break to other schools and communities. The work you are doing is impactful, relevant, and needed, especially in rural and Indigenous communities where relationships and trust are foundational.
Thank you again for your time, care, and commitment to our students and community. You are always welcome in Hydaburg, and we look forward to continuing this partnership.
Robert Freeman
Superintendent
Hydaburg School District, AK
questions abOUT BEND VS. BREAK
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Learn more about our mission, programs, speaking engagements, mentorship approach, and how Bend vs Break works with schools, communities, organizations, and youth across North America.
What is Bend vs Break?
Bend vs Break is a youth-focused movement built around resilience, vulnerability, mentorship, and authentic human connection. Through storytelling, sport, leadership conversations, and community experiences, we help young people grow through what they go through.
Who are your programs for?
We work with schools, First Nations communities, youth organizations, sports teams, conferences, and organizations across Canada and North America.
What topics do you speak about?
Our talks and programs focus on mental wellness, resilience, confidence, identity, leadership, vulnerability, belonging, and overcoming adversity.
Do you offer school presentations?
Yes. We deliver keynote talks, leadership sessions, workshops, and community programs tailored for schools and youth groups.
What makes Bend vs Break different?
We don’t believe in surface-level motivation. Bend vs Break is built on lived experience, honest conversations, and creating spaces where young people feel safe enough to be themselves.
How can we book Bend vs Break for our community or event?
You can reach out through our contact form or email us directly to discuss your school, organization, conference, or community event.
Do you travel for programs and speaking engagements?
Yes. Bend vs Break travels across Canada and North America for speaking engagements, youth programs, and community experiences.
Is Bend vs Break only focused on sports?
No. While sport is one of the tools we use to connect with youth, our mission goes far beyond athletics. Our programs focus on personal growth, mental wellness, leadership, and authentic connection.
questions abOUT BEND VS. BREAK
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Learn more about our mission, programs, speaking engagements, mentorship approach, and how Bend vs Break works with schools, communities, organizations, and youth across North America.
What is Bend vs Break?
Bend vs Break is a youth-focused movement built around resilience, vulnerability, mentorship, and authentic human connection. Through storytelling, sport, leadership conversations, and community experiences, we help young people grow through what they go through.
Who are your programs for?
We work with schools, First Nations communities, youth organizations, sports teams, conferences, and organizations across Canada and North America.
What topics do you speak about?
Our talks and programs focus on mental wellness, resilience, confidence, identity, leadership, vulnerability, belonging, and overcoming adversity.
Do you offer school presentations?
Yes. We deliver keynote talks, leadership sessions, workshops, and community programs tailored for schools and youth groups.
What makes Bend vs Break different?
We don’t believe in surface-level motivation. Bend vs Break is built on lived experience, honest conversations, and creating spaces where young people feel safe enough to be themselves.
How can we book Bend vs Break for our community or event?
You can reach out through our contact form or email us directly to discuss your school, organization, conference, or community event.
Do you travel for programs and speaking engagements?
Yes. Bend vs Break travels across Canada and North America for speaking engagements, youth programs, and community experiences.
Is Bend vs Break only focused on sports?
No. While sport is one of the tools we use to connect with youth, our mission goes far beyond athletics. Our programs focus on personal growth, mental wellness, leadership, and authentic connection.
BRING BEND VS. BREAK
TO YOUR COMMUNITY
If you are looking for a meaningful experience that connects with youth and leaves a lasting impact, Bend vs Break would love to work with your school, community, or organization.
BRING BEND VS. BREAK
TO YOUR COMMUNITY
If you are looking for a meaningful experience that connects with youth and leaves a lasting impact, Bend vs Break would love to work with your school, community, or organization.
Copyright © 2026 Bend Vs. Break.
Copyright © 2026 Bend Vs. Break.