As you are making plans for 2022, why not dig into your own community to make new friends, try new activities and celebrate yourself and your family together with people who care? There are lots of reasons to participate in YMCA winter in the coming year.
“We are all about making a difference throughout the year in every community we serve and we are excited to continue this by offering some great new programming for 2022,” says Latitia McCree, senior vice president for communications and marketing at YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit.
Winter can be a time for decreased physical activity for all of us, but our bodies still need to move to benefit from our best health, says McCree. She’s especially excited about basketball youth leagues for kids ages 5 to 14, and even “Little Dunkers” basketball for kids as young as 3.
Ballet and gymnastics build strength, poise and confidence and the Y has programs for beginners through advanced participants.
What about hip hop dance or Zumbini? “There’s no better way to get moving,” says McCree. Or maybe check out the martial arts programming at your local YMCA.
And here’s a fun thing that isn’t exactly focused on physical activity, but is heart-pounding, nonetheless: ESports. “We have been watching ESports sweep the world and kids really love it,” say McCree. “We’re excited to have ESports leagues for kids who are between the ages of 11 and 18 because it’s a great way for kids to develop teamwork and communication skills while participating in a sport that many colleges and universities are embracing, not to mention the professional sports world.”
Check out all these programming opportunities on the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit website.
Give the gift of health and community
You don’t have to struggle to find the best holiday gift for your loved ones and friends this year. Instead, you can help a friend, family member or loved one become part of one of the oldest charitable organizations in Detroit — soon to be 170 years old, YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit has celebrated “169 Christmases, 169 Hanukkahs, 169 truly memorable years,” says McCree.
Help someone special celebrate with a gift certificate or year-long gift of swim, cycle, Zumba, group exercise, running, walking, rock climbing, immersive programming and so much more. Buy a gift certificate or gift membership to the YMCA and help that special person on your gift list become more connected to their community and get healthier, too.
“We love how a YMCA gift membership or even YMCA gift certificates can make it easy for your loved ones to do something good for themselves,” McCree says. “This year, give the gift of the Y.”
Learn more about YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit at ymcadetroit.org.
