YMCA

YMCA - What we stand for
The Young Men's Christian Association is a worldwide organization started as Fellowship Group in London on 6th June 1844 by George Williams (subsequently Knighted as Sir George Williams). The YMCA movement is based on Christian principles of love, Sacrifice and Liberation for all. The international headquarters is based in Geneva, Switzerland and the office of the National Council of YMCA's of India is in New Delhi.

The YMCA was the response to the Great Industrial Revolution, which took place in England during the 19th century. Crowds of young people were drawn to the cities from rural areas to seek new avenues of employments. This influx of population created a change in the social behaviour of the people. The purpose of YMCA was and is, to cahnnelise the the energy of the youth, which is generally wasted, into fruitful and bneficial work and also to train them to take up purpose ful ventures for the community and society.

The symbol of the YMCA is and inverted equilateral triangle where the red colour symbolises sacrifice. The three sides of the triangles stand for equal development of BODY, MIND, and SPIRITfor the total and wholesome development of the human.

The YMCA engages voluntary service of people to discuss and focuss atteention on various issues related to Human Rights, Peace Social Justice, Status of women and children, Enviornment concerns andissues affecting the youth and issues related to the area of YMCA's operation.

The YMCA develops and runs projects and programmes on its own and in association with other Governmental and like minded organisations and individuals.

The YMCA thus caters to the needs of the society by creating various programmes to for its members giving them opportunities to develop theeir personalities and skills and also opprtunity to interact and relax thruogh programmes of physical education (sports) and intecllectual stimulation.

The YMCA's are spread over 100 countries around the world and has 250 centres in India.

YMCA membership is open to all, irrespective of class, colour, creed,sex or race.

YMCA-THANE

The thane unit of YMCA was formed on 28th July 1994

Thane city, which boast of the first rail link in India, shot into prominence towards the early 80's, when a large number of Industries started setting up units along the Thane - Belaour Industrial Belt as well as te wagle Industrial Estate. This brought about a minor influx of people who worked in these indutrial units.

This was the period of the born in Real Estate prices in bombay city which forced people to move to the outskirts of the city.

Endowed with its beautiful lakes, (incidentally, Thane is also known as the lake city), the city is witnessed by a spurt in property development, bringing in hordes of people into the city.

In 1994, a group of people with vision saw the potential to provide recreational and other facilities. This prompted in constituting the new unit of YMCAin thane.

Since its incxeption, Thane YMCA has been actively involved in numerous activities. Some of mentaioned are:-

• Day camps for children.
• Station cleaning programme on 2nd october.(Gandhi Jayanti Day)
• Blood Donation Camps .
• Inter- school talent competition.
• Debates on special issues.
• Fitness check-up camps for members.
• Outstations camps for children.
• Painting competition for mentally retarded childern.

We have now taken a major leap forward by having a Sports Centre of our own. This is located in idylic surrondings near Manpada and provides facilities for Badminton, Volleyball and Basketball.

Our Vision

By the year 2005, we aim to have a fullfleged unit housed in its own premises along with a Community Hall, Hostel facilities and a Swimming Pool, in addition to the expansion of our Sports Centre.

Membership

YMCA membership is open to all, irrespective of class, colour, creed, sex or race. Please do get in touch with our office for details.

DO YOU KNOW

• The first YMCA in India was started in 1857 at Calcutta.
• The YMCA is the pioneer organisation in starting Rural Demonstration Centres in India as early as 1918.
• The YMCA has one of the finest Colleges of Physical Education at Madras.
• The first Indian Olympic team was trained by the YMCA.
• Basketball was invented by J. naismith, a student at Springfield YMCA College, USA in 1981.
• Volleyball was invented in 1895 by a YMCA member, Mr. S. Morgan.
• The Red Cross was started by a YMCA Secretary, Sir Henery Dunant.
• The YMCA is spread in over 100 countries and has a membership of over a million people from all walks of life.