[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 69 (Friday, April 27, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E567]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             125TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE YMCA OF NORTHERN UTAH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN R. CURTIS

                                of utah

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 27, 2018

  Mr. CURTIS. Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today to honor the YMCA 
of Northern Utah, as it celebrates its 125th anniversary.
  One hundred and twenty-five years ago, the YMCA opened its doors in 
Salt Lake City, Utah. Since then, the YMCA. has been vital in building 
strong kids, families, and communities. Whether it be homework support 
or summer camping, the Y's impact on Northern Utah has been invaluable.
  The afterschool programs that the YMCA provides are priceless to its 
communities. The Y provides 28 afterschool programs sites across Utah, 
which serve over 1,350 youth. These programs help ensure that kids have 
a safe, instructive, and enjoyable place to go after school. This not 
only gives parents peace of mind about their children's safety, but 
also instills core values of caring, respect, honesty and 
responsibility in the participants of the programs.
  The YMCA offers many programs that celebrate the beautiful outdoor 
landscapes in Utah. Utah is widely known as one of the most beautiful 
places to live and offers a wide variety of outdoor adventures. 
However, various factors can prevent our children from experiencing the 
beauty that our state has to offer. The Y has gone to great lengths to 
ensure that all children can have the opportunity to appreciate the 
outdoors through overnight camps, day camps, and even recess camps. In 
these summer programs spread throughout the state, children can meet 
new friends, learn new skills, connect with nature, and have fun.
  On top of everything else, the YMCA also provides a ``wide range of 
programs for adults. Courses are available for individuals learning to 
speak English, improve financial literacy and money management, prevent 
Type 2 Diabetes, and enhance fitness. These classes have been wildly 
successful, with some even gaining national recognition. The 
development of these skills has been life-changing and enriching to 
many across the state.
  In conclusion, the services at the YMCA have been integral in making 
Utah one of the best places to live and raise a family. One hundred and 
twenty-five years later, Utah is a better place to live, with stronger 
communities and children, because of the YMCA. Mr. Speaker, I ask you 
and my colleagues to join me in congratulating the YMCA of Northern 
Utah as it celebrates its 125 anniversary.

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