Did you know??

§ In 1894 George Williams was knighted by Queen Victoria to mark the 50th aniversary of the YMCA work!
§ George Williams was buried in 1905 under the floor of St Paul's Cathedral, amongst the nations heroes.
§ There is a stained glass window in Westminister Abbey, complete with red triangle as a dedication to YMCA's work, to George Williams and the Y's work during the first world war.
§ The three sides of the inverted triangle (in the logo) stand for body, mind and spirit!
§ The YMCA is also the largest provider of safe, secure and affordable housing and also foyer places for young people.
§ A YMCA worker created the Poppy emblem used for Remembrance Day.
§ Henri Dunant the founder of the Red Cross was also one of the founders of the World Alliance of Young Men's Christian Associations (YMCA).
§ In 1864 the YMCA became the first non-sectarian organisation to place chapels in its facilities.

Shaping  sports:
§ The YMCA is the largest single provider of sport, exercise and fitness activities in the country.
§ Volleyball was invented by an instructor at the Y in 1895.
§ Basketball was also invented by someone working in the Y in 1891 and the first professional team also came from a YMCA.
§ Racquetball was invented in 1950 by a YMCA member.