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1844
George Williams founded the YMCA in London
1855
Richard Shalders founded YMCA Auckland
1881
The phrase ‘body building’ was first used in 1881 by staff at Boston YMCA |
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1891
Basketball was invented by Massachusetts YMCA in December 1891 to occupy a classroom of “incorrigibles” in between baseball and football sessions
1895 Professional football began at a YMCA in Latrobe, Pennsylvania when John Brailer was paid $10 + expenses by the local YMCA to replace the injured quarterback on their American football team |
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1895
Volleyball was invented by Massachusetts YMCA in 1895 because staff wanted an activity for businessmen that was less strenuous and sweaty than basketball
1909
Fathers Day was invented by YMCA Washington staff |
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1914
YMCA supported frontline troops in WW1 by helping with the wounded, providing canteens, dormitory, concert halls, chapels and recreation centres
1926
Sissyball (later renamed Softball) was invented by YMCA Denver. It was named Sissyball because the ball was bigger, softer and easier to hit than a baseball |
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1972
The businessmen’s Health Club opened on Pitt Street – believed to be the first modern day fitness club in Auckland. Treadmills and pieces of resistance strength training equipment had to be designed and built by staff as they were not readily available in New Zealand |
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1981
The Village People performed at the YMCA Auckland stadium in Pitt Street
1995
YMCA Northshore were winners of the NZRA Outstanding Facility Award |
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1999
YMCA Camp Adair were winners of the NZRA Outstanding Facility Award |
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2002
Our youth development programme “Raise up n Represent” began at the Massey Leisure Centre |
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2002
Massey Leisure Centre were winners of the NZRA Outstanding Facility Award |
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2004
Mt Albert Community & Recreation Centre were winners of the NZRA Outstanding Facility Award |
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2005
YMCA Auckland celebrated its 150th birthday and in conjunction hosted an international YMCA CEO’s forum |
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2006
The never2old exercise programme was launched in partnership with AUT at eight of our YMCA Auckland facilities |
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2008
YMCA Auckland purchased City Lodge, the 103 room accommodation building on Vincent Street |
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2008
YMCA Auckland won four categories at the National Fitness Industry Awards |
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2008
YMCA Auckland purchased the Eastern Bays Swim School, increasing the total number of facilities owned/operated by YMCA Auckland to 15 |
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2009
YMCA Auckland won four categories at the National Fitness Industry Awards |