Miriana Dundek
Visible from parts of Centretown, the national capital region YMCA-YWCA stands tall against a now bleak backdrop. With the change of season, its brown brick walls match the bare limbs on the trees outside, and somehow it seems even more noticeable.
For youth in Centretown who won’t be able to play in Ottawa parks and playgrounds, outdoor courts and cul-de-sacs for very much longer, the building’s presence is a reminder of greater possibility.
The second fall session for the YMCA-YWCA’s health, physical education and recreation programs is already underway. The programs encompass initiatives directed at children and youth. Throughout this month, various programs are being offered to children and youth who want to continue to be active throughout the fall season. They can register and take part in sports and activities that cater to their skills and interests. Hockey, basketball, gymnastics, indoor soccer, volleyball, dance and self-defense classes are among the many recreational options available.
“Physical education is of lifelong value and starting at a young age is really important. At the YMCA-YWCA kids have the chance to take part in programs that will improve their game. It’s definitely about having fun but we emphasize core values of respect, responsibility, honesty and caring,” says Freya Struthers, YMCA-YWCA senior coordinator for children, youth and family programs.
Since 1867, the national capital region YMCA-YWCA has been serving the Centretown community. Its goal is to improve the quality of life for children, youth, adults and families through programs that facilitate personal growth and development in mind, body and spirit.
After 137 years, it continues to succeed in connecting people to each other.
And to some, this means a lot more than it would to others.
For underprivileged children and youth, the YMCA-YWCA is a place where race, religion, creed, ability or economic circumstance makes no difference. It’s a place where they can come together to participate in sports and activities that strengthen their bodies and help raise their spirits. It fosters a sense of community and recreational involvement among youth who might not be able to find that elsewhere.
Struthers gives the example of a young boy who was recently introduced to a YMCA-YWCA leadership program. The boy came from a single-parent family and did not have a lot of direction.
“His marks in school were poor even though he’s brilliant,” explains Struthers.
Through regular participation and volunteer work at the YMCA-YWCA, “he’s really grown, maturity-wise, with a new appreciation for others. Finally, he’s gained some recognition and a key sense of belonging,” she adds.
In sport and recreation, the YMCA-YWCA unites segments of Ottawa’s downtown community. For a city in which outdoor activity is such an integral part of daily life, there is less opportunity for sport once the cold weather arrives.
Through active, skill-development programs like these, youth can get off the streets of downtown Ottawa and jump into the courts at the YMCA-YWCA.
There, they are provided with an opportunity to play in a recreational environment that focuses on teamwork and fair play.
It gives them the chance to escape the cold and enter into a warmer, more welcoming environment where they can build up their physical abilities and improve their social skills.
Apart from these programs, children and youth at the YMCA-YWCA are invited to make use of the centre’s other facilities. Open gym time gives different groups space to interact with each other in a safe and friendly setting.
“The local high school boys meet routinely at the YMCA-YWCA every day after school. They make friends because they all come for basketball in the open gym. They’re crazy about it,” says Struthers.
Overall, the charitable, voluntary, community-based association lives up to its code of building strong kids and strong communities.
When the basketball nets outside are rimmed with dew, you can be sure those indoors at the YMCA-YWCA are letting dozens of shots pass through their hoops.
And when the streets in Centretown are wet, you know that over on the YMCA-YWCA courts, it’s raining threes.