Palo Alto Family YMCA Partnership With Local Schools Provides Students Physical Activities Through Afternoon Program

Online, March 4, 2010 (Newswire.com) - PALO ALTO, CA - March 4, 2010 - The Palo Alto Family YMCA announced today that its Activate Youth program, designed for fifth-graders through collaboration between Fair Meadow and Palo Verde Elementary Schools, has continued to grow since it was implemented at the beginning of the academic school year. Taking place through May 2010, the grant has allowed the Palo Alto Family YMCA to provide an after-school curriculum where students from both schools are in a safe and controlled environment, and are offered fitness conditioning, and sports skill development.

"We are appreciative for the opportunity to provide these local students with an after-school program that increases their physical activity and reduces their risk factors for health problems," said Scott Glissmeyer, Executive Director of the Palo Alto Family YMCA. "It is important to us that we create a safe haven for students where they can have fun while developing their skills, making new friendships, and learning more about the benefits of exercise."

The $10,000 grant from the Palo Alto Weekly Holiday Fund, was given to the Palo Alto Family YMCA in September and the after-school program, which takes place from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. two Wednesdays a month, runs through May 2010. YMCA members meet students from both schools and then walk them over from campus to the YMCA, located several blocks away. Once they arrive at the YMCA, students are provided with approximately thirty minutes of classroom instruction about healthy food and the benefits of physical exercise, followed by several hours of physical activity including instruction and free choice of exercise-based activities, such as swimming, rock wall climbing, use of cardio equipment, badminton and other physical fitness games. In addition to the free Wednesday afternoon access to the Palo Alto Family YMCA, participating families of Activate Youth also receive membership privileges to come to the branch once a month so that they can all benefit from the YMCA.

"One-third of our 5th graders participate in an after school opportunity offered by the YMCA. Due to the grant the YMCA received, we jumped at their offer to partner with them," said Eric Goddard, principal at Fairmeadow Elementary. "The staff is fantastic and the feedback from kids and parents has been excellent. We hope this partnership continues for many years," Goddard continued. "It is a wonderful community partnership that keeps kids in healthy productive activities after school."

"My son has absolutely loved participating in this program and aside from the fact that he has been able to play, run, swim and learn things about lifestyle choices with his friends, he has made great connections with other children and been able to experience first-hand what to do with his free time," said Patricia Stayte, whose son Angus attends Palo Verde Elementary. "We feel so fortunate to have been able to have participated in this program and whole-heartedly support its continuation."

For more information about the Palo Alto Family YMCA and the Activate Youth program, please contact Daniel Koba, Youth & Family Director at [email protected] or (650)842-2753. For all media inquiries, please contact Tina Casalino at [email protected] or 650-842-2792.