When I come here, I learn. Not just about basketball. I learn about life and I succeed at school.
Before the local YMCA opened, the only places neighbourhood teens could meet were the youth centre and the street. Since then, Jirer, 17, has been going to the Y every Tuesday and Friday night with other kids from his youth centre, for free. There’s lots to do: basketball, soccer, dancing, weight training, swimming… He also hangs out with Matthew, the Fitness Program Coordinator, who is like a big brother to him.
Unhealthy lifestyle habits have become public enemy number one. Excessive weight, obesity, chronic disease… Physical inactivity now kills as many people as smoking!
Only 9% of young people aged 5 to 17 get at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day. As our children learn to read and write, they should learn to be active!
We need to get them moving as early as possible, in day care and at school, during recreational and extracurricular activities, in after-school programs, at camp and in Youth Zones. Not only do exercise and sports allow kids to channel their energy and socialize with their peers, but they also help children focus and learn.
By encouraging children and youth to develop their physical literacy at a young age and to love being active,
YOU are improving their quality of life and helping them become healthy adults.
Other inspiring stories…
Jirer, Teen Night
Maxence, YMCA Swimming Club
Kiara, Youth Zone
Our impact
70 000
people kept fit and healthy by being active at the YMCA.
5 300
children and teens learned to swim and be safe around water.
16 500
children and teens were physically active at the YMCA.