Welcome to the
YMCA of Elkhart County
The YMCA of Elkhart County strengthens the foundations of our community through well-being and fitness, camps, family time, swim, sports and play, and other activities for people of all ages, incomes and abilities. We’re more than just a place to work out. At the Y, we help build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all with the core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility at the heart of everything we do.
With a commitment to nurturing youth development, promoting healthy living, and fostering a sense of social responsibility, the Y ensures that every individual has access to the essentials needed to learn, grow and thrive.
NEWS FROM THE Y
23 January 2012
Recently a group of kids excelled in our Youth Sports co-ed basketball league. Just because we're talking b-ball don't assume this is about a bunch of boys. On the contrary! We're giving a shout out for our young ladies who stepped up their game with the fellas and had a great time playing in the co-ed league.Being in a co-ed league meant the girls would have to put in extra hard work and practice. Needless to say they rose to the challenge and they were ready to compete every game. One of the girls who played for the Wanke Team, Michelle, admitted that being a girl playing against boys made her a little nervous but she fought off the jitters and kept her composure the whole time while playing.
Coach Carlos said, "As long as I been coaching for the Youth Sports program, I have never seen girls stand out in a co-ed league as much as they did. I'm so proud of them."
So lets give it up for all the young ladies who participated in our 9-12 year old co-ed basketball league; Alexis, Savannah, Autumn, Dorian, Devine, Trinitee, and Michelle. With all the hard work they put in two of the girls who play for the Wanke Team managed to earn some great awards too. Michelle won the sportsmanship award and Trinitee won Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Defensive player of the year. Wow! (watch out boys, the girls are good these days).
(pictures above: Trinitee left, Michelle right)
We're so very proud of all the girls who participated in our 3 year old, 4-5 year old and 9-12 year old co-ed teams. We're also proud of Wanke kids Michelle and Trinitee not just because they excelled in sports but because both girls are honor roll students in school. That means our home work sessions in our Wanke Youth Center are paying off. We strongly believe that kids being active and having fun is important but we also equally encourage educational achievement, self-discipline and positive values. That balance is key for youth development and healthy living.
We believe that all kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. Our Youth Sports and Wanke Youth Center cultivates the values, skills and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health and educational achievement. The Wanke Youth Center is also a “haven” for young people; saving them from potential gang involvement. Y activities give our children the opportunity to become confident kids today and healthier, happier grown-ups tomorrow.
