We Don’t Just Play Sports. We Invented Them.
Where Basketball Began
How do you keep young men healthy, active—and out of trouble? Answer: invent new sports.
In 1891, Dr. Luther Gulick, director at the International YMCA Training School in Massachusetts, instructed PE teacher James Naismith to come up with a new indoor winter game. Today, basketball is second only to soccer as the most popular sport in the world.
Health First
In addition to providing fitness and athletic training, the YMCA is also a leader in programs that help individuals and families prevent and manage chronic diseases such as arthritis, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, and Parkinson’s Disease.