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YMCA offers variety of fall, winter activities

October 30, 2007 @ 11:03 PM

The Herald-Dispatch

By CHRISTIAN ALEXANDERSEN

HUNTINGTON -- The YMCA in Huntington are promoting fitness and health with several activities scheduled for the fall and winter seasons.

Kay Browning, YMCA membership marketing director, said sign-ups for several youth recreation leagues are scheduled to take place through December for sports such as basketball, soccer and wrestling. The fall soccer leagues, she said, have proven to be a popular program, with 1,300 taking part in the leagues.

Youth recreation leagues and the YMCA, she said, takes kids off the streets and gives them a place to go after school. Programs teach kids to be both good winners and good losers, she said.

"The Y is more than a place to exercise, it's a place for people to come together," Browning said. "We aim to offer fun activities and teach people that exercising doesn't have to be miserable."

While many activities are available to YMCA members, Browning said the sports programs are also available to non-YMCA members. The facilities include the May Building at 935 10th Ave., Huntington High Youth/Senior Building at 917 8th St., Kennedy Center Outdoor Recreation Center at 5800 Ohio River Road.

George Smailes, the Huntington YMCA executive director, said the YMCA is also helping local adults win their battle with weight loss. The Weight Loss to Wellness Program at the May Building is a 12-week program that focuses on making the changes necessary to become a healthier, more fit person, not just on weight reduction.

Smailes said dietitians and the YMCA staff work with individuals to aid them in their weight loss process. Individuals are encouraged to keep a diary of their progress and work out daily. The program, developed by the Huntington YMCA, was created to fulfill the need in the community.

Even if you are not a member of the YMCA. Smailes said program participants can use the YMCA facilities. The program costs $300 for non-YMCA member and $150 for YMCA members, he said.

Though the Huntington YMCA does not have any adult sports leagues currently, Smailes said they are looking into developing space for adult recreation leagues.

Mark Webb/The Herald-Dispatch

The YMCA in Huntington offers a variety of youth recreation leagues including basketball for kids from 3 to 14 years old.

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