Philips Medical Supports YBL
For immediate release
Contact: Elizabeth Covino 978.7625.6681
December 2, 2009
Andover's Philips Medical supports YMCA's Youth Basketball League
The Merrimack Valley YMCA is pleased to announce that it received a $8,000 grant in support of the Youth Basketball League (YBL) at the Andover/North Andover, Lawrence and Methuen YMCA branches. This will support the YMCA's financial assistance program which allows needy and deserving children to participate in this YMCA program.
"Physical activities that foster positive values and personal growth are needed now more than ever. We are proud to partner with Philips to make YBL accessible to nearly 1000 youth in our community. Together we are making healthier lives achievable for everyone," said Stephen C. Ives, President/CEO of the Merrimack Valley YMCA.
The Merrimack Valley YMCA works to help combat childhood obesity and the lack of physical activity among youth and teens as it gives all children the opportunity to get moving and be healthy, regardless of ability to pay. Through its health and wellness programs, the YMCA is able, in part, to fulfill its mission to strengthen kids, families and the community through quality and affordable programming. Access to various health and recreational activities at the YMCA directly links to Philip's core focus on the overall health and well being of its communities as the programs help to increase youth and teen participation.
The YMCA's Youth Basketball League (YBL) is a coeducational program that recruits children between the ages of 5 to 18. The program consists of weekly practices where various health, fitness and nutrition topics are addressed and weekly games to develop team-work through friendly competition. The goal of the program is to create opportunities for younger children to learn the basic skills of basketball; to build awareness of the importance of physical activity in order to establish lifelong health behavior patterns; to encourage non-active children, many of low-to-moderate income, to participate in physical activities; to build children's self-esteem; to foster relationships with adults; to encourage family involvement; to ensure inclusive play.
