Fostering Global Connections through YMCA Camp Immokalee: A Reflection on International CollaborationAt the First Coast YMCA, we believe in the power of camp to build bridges between communities, cultures, and countries. This summer, in partnership with the YMCA of the Philippines, YUSA’s Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (GDEI) initiative, and the Asia Pacific Islander Leadership Network (APILN) National Committee, we had...
The Summer Olympics & The First Coast YThe Summer Olympics has begun in Paris, and continues through the middle of August, as the world’s best compete in a variety of sports and events. The First Coast YMCA has a unique connection to several of these sports and are introducing more people to them every day. Click the...
George Oancea: SwimmingThere is a connection to international swimming at the Brown Family YMCA in swim coach George Oancea. George is a native of Romania and was on the Romanian national team before coming to the United States to swim collegiately at the University of Indianapolis. George is having a clear impact...
Laura Tomaselli: GymnasticsThe Dye Clay Family YMCA recently invested in new gymnastics equipment in the back portion of the branch. There isn’t an extensive amount of gymnastics resources for the community, including in Orange Park, which makes this equipment especially valuable for kids. Branch Executive Director Brooke Foerman, Instructor Laura Tomaselli, and...
Joyce Delifus: SwimmingThe YMCA has been a starting point for many Olympic hopefuls in swimming – here’s a list of this year’s Olympic and Paralympic trials qualifiers who have a YMCA connection. Here on the First Coast, we have several ties to world-class swimming, including with one of our most beloved partners,...