[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 53 (Thursday, May 2, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E682]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             RECOGNIZING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE YMCA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RICHARD E. NEAL

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 1, 2002

  Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this 
opportunity today to laud the efforts of one of the finest 
international organizations in our nation: the YMCA. The YMCA was 
founded in England and was based on an openness which transcended class 
lines. In its 150 years, the YMCA of the USA has come to include men, 
women and children regardless of race, religion or nationality.
  The United States of America today has over 2,400 YMCAs which serve 
nearly 18 million people. The YMCA of the USA is involved in promoting 
healthy behaviors in youngsters, teaching them how to become positive 
members of society. Although each YMCA is different in its approach to 
serving the needs of its members, they all help make their communities 
stronger.
  The YMCA of Springfield, Massachusetts was founded on May 3, 1852, 
after J.R. Hixon issued a call for a meeting at the Old First Church on 
Court Square. Henry Morris, a prominent judge from the area, was 
elected the first president. Springfield's YMCA is noteworthy for being 
the workplace of Mr. James Naismith. In 1891, Mr. Naismith was charged 
with the physical education of a number of rambunctious young men. As 
the boys were not interested in the typical winter time activities, Mr. 
Naismith invented a new game to be played indoors. Mr. Naismith posted 
13 rules at class one day and created the sport of basketball.
  The invention of basketball is an example of the creative thinking 
that is the hallmark of the YMCA. The staff members roaming the halls 
of Ys throughout the country are a dedicated group focused on character 
development and social service.
  Today's YMCA in Springfield continues to serve human needs in the 
city by providing quality programs that promote lifelong personal 
growth and the balanced development of spirit, mind and body. I would 
like to thank Steve Clay, the President, and his staff for their 
tireless dedication and commitment to the community. Congratulations to 
the YMCA on 150 years of service to the community.

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