There are over 2000 YMCA's in the United States and over 4000 worldwide. During its long and distinguished history, YMCA's have been known for their tradition of program innovations to better serve members and communities. The following are just a few YMCA "firsts" given to us all:
Volleyball - Created by the YMCA in 1895.
Racquetball - Originated by Joe Solbeck in the Greenwich, Connecticut YMCA.
Softball - Developed by a physical director in the Denver YMCA.
Basketball - Originated by the YMCA at Springfield College, Massachusetts in 1891.
Systematic Certifications - The YMCA was the first to establish certification programs for Life Saving, Swimming and Aquatic Instruction.
Boy Scouts - Originated under YMCA leadership. The first Chief Scout Executive was a Washington, DC YMCA volunteer.
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