First Lady Michelle Obama launches the
pillars of her “Let’s Move” campaign
against childhood obesity at the
Alexandria YMCA, part of the
YMCA of Metropolitan Washington.
Local History
- In 2004 the Y completed renovations of the second floor of the YMCA of Bristol which included a new cardio center, cycle room, nursery, administrative offices, and an update to the gym and aerobic studio.
- From 2012 to 2014 the Bristol YMCA added many improvements to the physical facilities. These include a complete renovation of the pool and filtration system. The Homer Jones Fitness Center added much to the free weight room. Much new fitness equipment was added including: fitness on demand, weights, and cardio equipment. A brand new teen center was created. The Frank Marney Chapel was added for spiritual and other meetings. The Phil Temp Prayer Board was put in the main lobby. The Jeff Byrd Indoor Playground and the McGlothlin/Street Kids Gym was added. The gym floor, aerobic studio, and the kids gym were resurfaced. A new HVAC system for the nursery and new compressors for other HVAC units were installed. There was a renovation of the Ladies locker room. And four new roofs were added.
World History
- On Saturday, June 2, 2001, 1,200 YMCAs hosted 700 YMCA World’s Largest Run events from Maine to Hawaii in the country’s first synchronized run/walk across all U.S. time zones. They even celebrated the 150th anniversary of America’s YMCAs and highlighted the importance of physical activity for kids and parents. Over 15,000 volunteers and 54,000 youth and adults participated with proceeds benefiting local YMCA programs.
- The YMCA responded to several world crises: Sept. 11 (2001),Pacific Rim tsunami (2004), Hurricane Katrina (2005) and the earthquake in Haiti (2010) through fundraising, rebuilding efforts and programs designed to rekindle hope in the affected communities, particularly among children and young people.
- In 2002 the YMCA created the National Diversity Initiative to support the YMCA movement in valuing the diversity of all people within its associations and the communities it serves.
- In July 2004 before a U.S. Senate hearing, Y-USA launched Activate America and the Healthy Community work, beginning a partnership with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Healthy Communities spread to more than 150 YMCA communities engaging millions of people in making the healthy choice the easy choice.
- In 2008 with support from the Lumina Foundation for Education, YMCAs added College Goal Sunday to their educational programs for youth, which helps low income, at-rick or non-traditional students with the financial aid process–one of the most significant obstacles to college access and success.
- YMCA Healthy Family Home (HFH),a partnership between the YMCA and Eli Lilly and Company, was launched in 2008 to inspire families to make healthier lifestyle choices in homes nationwide. From child care to health fairs, staff meetings to sports fields, YMCAs offer easy, creative ways to help families embrace HFH’s three key concepts: play every day to become more active, eat healthy and spend family time together.
- In 2008 the Armed Services YMCA and the YMCA partnered with the Department of Defense in the YMCA Military Outreach Initiative which funds memberships and child care services for families facing the hardship of military deployment.
- Positioning the YMCA as an important partner in preventing chronic disease throughout the nation, the Y-USA garnered the support of high-ranking government officials. In 2010 First Lady Michelle Obama chose the YMCA as the venue to launch the pillars of her “Let’s Move” campaign against childhood obesity.
- Beyond the United States, the YMCA today plays an instrumental role in promoting athletic competition around the world through the Far Eastern Games, Pan American Games, and the Inter-Allied Games.
- In 2010 the Y revitalized its brand and began officially referring to itself by its most familiar name-the Y-for the first time.
Founding | 1800 – 1860s | 1870 – 1890s | 1900 – 1950s | 1960 – 1990s | 2000 – present