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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

WHEN SCHOOLS FACE BUDGET CUTS, YMCAS STEP UP TO PROVIDE VITAL PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

CHICAGO, September 2, 2004 - As a new school year kicks off, many kids will be back in gym class and trying out for their school's football, basketball, cross country or volleyball teams - that is if their school still has a sports budget and physical education program.

Some schools are adopting "pay to play" sports programs to ease budget shortfalls. According to a recent survey, "pay to play" systems are becoming increasingly common. The survey polled state high school sports associations, and 34 states reported at least some school districts are charging students to play sports. For example, in Kansas "pay-to-play" districts have grown from 29 to 55 in the last three years; that's about 18% of the state's 302 school districts.

With the decline in these offerings, the nation's YMCAs are stepping up to the plate to help kids who want to be physically active, but may have reduced opportunities in their schools. In 2003 alone, YMCAs nationwide collaborated with 1,581 elementary schools, 1,233 middle schools and 1,158 high schools to help boys and girls of all ages have fun and get physical activity through youth sports, including basketball, soccer, baseball, swimming, and flag football, among others. Hundreds of YMCAs also provide PE instruction for schools and home-schooled children.

"All children should have access to sports and physical activities, regardless of where they attend school, or their family's income level," said Augie Mendoza, associate director for sports, YMCA of the USA. "Unfortunately, when schools face budget cuts, sports and PE are among the first activities to go. Here's another occasion where YMCAs further fulfill their charitable mission of strengthening the spirits, minds and bodies of children and families," Mendoza said.

"YMCAs have been providing opportunities for young people to play sports since 1891, when James Naismith invented basketball at the YMCA Training College in Springfield, Mass. Our commitment to health and fitness is more important than ever, as the nation faces a health crisis related to poor nutrition and lack of physical activity," said Kenneth L. Gladish, Ph.D., national executive director, YMCA of the USA. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are 9 million overweight children and teens, a number that has more than doubled in the last 20 years.

"America has unwittingly created an unhealthy society for our children. Lasting change that truly addresses the declining health of our nation needs to be led at the community level. YMCAs have the ability and reach to ignite the development of meaningful solutions that can alter the cycle of physical inactivity, obesity and chronic disease," Gladish said.

Providing athletically-inclined kids with opportunities for physical activity is one challenge, but how do you motivate kids who may be less coordinated, or less interested?

According to Michael Spezzano, national health and fitness specialty consultant, YMCA of the USA, the key is to provide activities they enjoy in a non-competitive environment. "For example, teens of all fitness levels like the challenge and energy of programs like group cycling, aerobics, and strength training, provided they receive thorough instruction and orientation to properly use the equipment," Spezzano said. "Many youngsters also enjoy participating in activities that can become lifelong pastimes such as bicycling, swimming, golf or tennis," he adds.

"Dance-related exercise also appeals to kids who may not feel comfortable on a basketball court, but love moving to hip music," Spezzano added. "Young people are also more willing to participate if they have input on the development of a class, or the selection of music."

Group exercise classes, games, and meets provide important, structured physical activity for children and teens. When combined with caring relationships that youngsters develop with instructors, coaches and teammates, YMCA programs dramatically impact the health and well-being of all kids. The findings of "Hardwired to Connect: The Scientific Case for Authoritative Communities," a recent report commissioned by the YMCA of the USA, Dartmouth Medical School and the Institute for American Values, now reveals scientific evidence that surrounding our kids with rich networks of nurturing relationships not only helps them thrive, but has been shown to genetically protect them from developing emotional disorders like depression and anxiety, or participating in at-risk behaviors.

To learn more about YMCA programs, log on to www.ymca.net. You can search by city name and zip code to find contact information for your local YMCA, to learn what types of youth sports and afterschool activities are offered.

YMCA of the USA is the national resource office for the nation's 2,575 YMCAs, collectively the nation's largest community service organization and largest providers of child care. YMCAs serve more than 19 million people, including 9 million children through a broad range of programs. YMCAs are for people of all faiths, races, ages, abilities and incomes. Financial assistance is available. To learn more visit www.ymca.net.

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For more information contact:

Media Relations Manager
YMCA of the USA
312-419-8418