Portage Township YMCA

The YMCA stands for the Young Men’s Christian Association, and it has a long-standing, rich history throughout the world. It was founded in London on June 6, 1844 by George Williams. The first YMCA was formed as an outreach to men on the streets. They offered Bible studies and prayer. Throughout history, YMCAs have adapted their services to fit the needs of the communities they serve. Did you know that volleyball and basketball were invented at YMCAs? At the International YMCA Training School in December 1891, James Naismith invented the game of basketball, doing so at the demand of Luther Gulick, the director of the school. He invented the game to occupy the time of some of the students at the school who had gotten too violent with their rugby and football games. Volleyball was invented at the Holyoke Massachusetts YMCA in 1895 by William Morgan, an instructor at the Y who felt that basketball was too strenuous for businessmen. Today, our Portage Township YMCA is carrying on that same tradition. We are constantly thriving to offer new and efficient programs to serve our community. Currently, there are YMCAs in over 124 countries throughout the world. Each YMCA is run differently, yet they are all alike in mission:“Putting Christian principles into practice through programs that build spirit, mind, and body for all.”