Y Facts

• The nation's 2,594 YMCAs serve more than 20.1 million people each year, uniting men, women and children of all ages, faiths, backgrounds, abilities, and income levels.

• From urban areas to small towns, YMCAs are at the heart of community life in the United States: 42 million families and 72 million households are located within three miles of the YMCA. In fact, more Americans belong to a YMCA than live in the five largest U.S. cities.

• YMCA volunteers nationwide would fill the San Jose Arena more than 30 times.

• Father's Day was started at a YMCA in 1909.

• Basketball was invented in 1891 by James Naismith at a YMCA, the only major sport to have originated entirely in the United States. Jewish basketball players, denied entry to other sports, picked up the game at YMCAs and became stars in the professional leagues. Click here to learn the original rules of basketball.

• The YMCA invented volleyball and raquetball and pioneered camping, physical fitness and swimming lessons.

• The YMCA helped found the USO, Boy Scouts and Camp Fire Girls.

• Together YMCAs are the nation's largest provider of child care. YMCAs operate nearly 10,000 child care sites across the country, providing high-quality, affordable care to more than 500,000 children. Ys give financial assistance to 20 percent of families in their child care programs.

• The YMCA was first launched in London, England in 1844. Only 23 years later, a branch was opened in San Jose, California. In 1867, San Jose had fewer than 10,000 residents; more than 122 joined the new Y within four months of its founding.

• Collectively, YMCAs are the largest operator of swimming pools in the world.

• YMCAs collectively represent the largest collaborative membership organization in the country.

• Adults 65 and older are the fastest growing category of YMCA membership.

• The year 2006 marked the 100th anniversary of the first swim lessons offered by the YMCA.