Your local YMCA - A Community Resource in the Business of Healthy Kids
By: Carolyn Donaldson
Updated: March 28, 2011
HOLLIDAYSBURG, BLAIR COUNTY - The Hollidaysburg YMCA calls the program "Athletic Essentials".
The Y's Program Director Frank Kopriva says, "We try to give kids the idea of how to be athletic and how to use their body without being specific in a sport."
In their first class, they find out where they are --- physically.
Kopriva explains, "We have them actually make a goal and you're going to practice these things for eight weeks. How much better do you think you can get? So we do get them to be competitive but with themselves."
For these 7 and 8 year olds - it's disguised as fun - beginning with the warm-up - all the way to the cool down at the end.
"We don't play Dodgeball, we don't play Basketball, we don't play Soccer. Everything we do would translate to playing a sport," adds Kopriva.
But the focus is on developing athletic skills.
"Running jumping, throwing and kicking. We do a lot on balancing and coordination and we do a little on strengthening."
Something these kids can and want to do the rest of their lives.
"Get kids involved and make it a life long passion," adds Kopriva.
The Hollidaysburg YMCA has a number of programs for kids of all ages and interests.
Head here for a link to their website and a look at their complete programming.
Head here for a link to the Roaring Spring Area YMCA.
Head here for a link to the Bellefonte and State College Area YMCA.
Head here for a link to the Clearfield YMCA.
Head here for a link to the Johnstown Area YMCA.
