YMCA teams up with Sydney Kings

The YMCA of Sydney has announced a partnership with the National Basketball League's Sydney Kings, with a commitment to work together in promoting the importance of staying healthy, having fun and spending quality time with family.

Through this new partnership, the YMCA cements a relationship with a sports program and a team already focused on significant community outreach and a family friendly, exciting live-sports experience.

The partnership will see the Kings exposed to the YMCA's four million visitors every year in 100 locations across Sydney and NSW.

Meanwhile, player visits at Y Centres will focus on the importance of healthy living and will see members involved in a host of fun activities.

Access to game tickets and other exciting initiatives also form part of this agreement.

To celebrate, the YMCA has been announced as the major game night partner for the game between the Sydney Kings and Melbourne Tigers on Friday 2nd March, showcasing the synergies between the two organisations and their joint focus on creating healthier and happier people, families and communities.

YMCA of Sydney Chief Executive Phillip Hare said the new partnership will not only highlight the Y's commitment to bringing families together, but also provide an opportunity for Y members to have a fun night out together.

Hare states "we couldn't be happier about partnering with the Sydney Kings who, like the YMCA, are dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles and providing opportunities for families to spend time together."

This focus is vital in light of the fact that 74.3% of young people aged 11-24 value family relationships more than friends, school, employment or financial security.

Here Hare addes "families remain as a top value and priority for young people (and) we can help facilitate those vital family relationships.

"In the communities in which we operate, the Y provides a third place away from work and home where families can connect and be active together and we are happy to be able to offer our members the chance to support the Sydney Kings on Friday 2nd March.

"This partnership is also ideal given the game of basketball has its roots with the YMCA, with the first ever basketball game taking place at a YMCA gymnasium in the US in 1892."

The YMCA is encouraging as many people as possible to come to the 2nd March game and is offering discounted tickets for families who book through the Y.

Sydney Kings General Manager David Wolf said the team is proud to be supporting the YMCA in promoting healthy, happy lifestyles and family connection, stating "we are excited to be partnering with the YMCA to promote the work of this great charitable organisation.

"They join our existing partners including the Heart Foundation and all sorts fitness and wellbeing centre, among many others, to raise awareness of the importance of keeping active and healthy.

"This partnership provides another important avenue through which to spend time in the community to deliver these important messages and simultaneously promote the Sydney Kings at a grassroots level.

"We hope to see many YMCA members fill the stadium and are looking forward to engaging the broader community, particularly through some fun half-time entertainment which will promote the Y's upcoming national fundraiser, the YMCA Swimathon."

The sponsored Sydney Kings game against the Melbourne Tigers is sure to be an exciting one, and even more so with free face-painting for the kids and other activities on the night.

Every ticket holder will also be able to show their ticket at a YMCA Centre following the game to claim a free family day pass.

Families are invited to get in touch with their local Y Centres to organise tickets.

22nd December 2011 - YMCA LAUNCHES FIRST EVER NATIONAL SWIMATHON FUNDRAISER

25th March 2010 - SYDNEY KINGS RETURN TO NBL