Recently, Gabby made history and shattered world records in becoming the
first African-American and first woman of color to win the individual
all-around champion. She also became the first American gymnast to win the gold medal
in both the individual all-around and team competitions at the same Olympics.
What's most impressive has been her journey to the 2012 Olympics. At a young age, her mother recognized
and nurtured her potential.
At the YMCA of Central Ohio, we believe that all kids should have
the opportunity be active and discover who they are and what they can achieve.
We believe that all kids have great potential and we are committed to
helping them achieve their goals and aspirations. Gabby Douglas is an
example of just that! We are proud of her and everyone representing the United States in the 2012 Olympics!
Here is Gabby’s story, we hope that it will inspire you! Who knows, your child may be a future Olympian.....Go
Team USA!
At the Powell YMCA, we have a strong swim team program that has been around for years. We too have children who dream, just like Gabby Douglas in the article above, to be Olympians at a young age. This month, however, the Central Ohio YMCA organization destroyed those dreams by informing our team that we would be required to reduce our practice time, and meet schedule. It is complete hypocrisy that the Central YMCA posts this article to inspire us about Gabby Douglas going to the Olympics, and at the same time is doing things that will prevent our children from reaching that same goal. Our swimmers who had hopes of reaching YMCA nationals will have fewer opportunities to swim those qualifying times, and with less practice time, will be less likely to achieve those goals. We have been members of this YMCA for years, and are extremely disappointed with the way the Central Ohio YMCA organization is treating this wonderful swim program. And there seems to be no reason for the limitation, except that the YMCA thinks that less swimming is better. We will likely leave the Y and move to one of the many other swim team programs, Ohio State, Buckeye Swim Club, Westerville Aquatic Club, if these limitations aren't removed. We feel strongly that the Y will not be able to maintain any of its swim teams with these new rules in place.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your feedback. We have done our best to engage and involve our myriad stakeholders in our program changes. We think we are headed in a positive direction that both meets the needs of the children and upholds our values.
ReplyDeleteAs this forum is not the optimal way to hold a conversation, we invite you to contact us directly so we may have a discussion regarding your concerns. The other providers you mention also offer fine programs and we completely understand your right to do what you think is best for your family. Our only regret would be losing a long-time YMCA family without having had the opportunity to explain our science (more training and competition does not lead to better performance) based rationale.
Again, thank you for taking the time to express your opinion, albeit anonymously.
Elissa James
Metropolitan Aquatics Director
614-224-1137 Ext. 124