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We’ve all seen the literature around minimising children’s ‘screen time’, but many young Kiwis are still far exceeding the recommended ‘no more than two hours a day’ limit! The school holidays are especially challenging, with long days that drag on and on and televisions, computers and game consoles at the ready. 

Find out how YMCA teamed up with the Ministry of Social Development to deliver Breakaway, a fully funded programme that both encourages and provides physical activity.

David Rasmussen almost died several years ago, a story his fellow gym users know well. With a cheerful, open attitude, David is more than happy to tell anyone about this experience, as well as how he was saved by doctors, who gave him a second heart – and a new chance at life.

Find out how David is making the most of his new life at Lynfield Leisure Centre.

Despite being 70 years old, busy with work commitments, and running around after the grandkids, Glenda finds the time to pop into Lagoon Pool and Leisure Centre, managed by YMCA.

Proving that age is no barrier, find out how Glenda Cullen has managed to row over one million metres!

As a nation surrounded by water, swimming and aquatic fun are virtually a kiwi rite of passage. At YMCA Auckland, we believe that anyone can swim, and for the last two years Helen Vann has been on a mission to prove it.

Find out how YMCA is making sure that people of all abilities have the chance to enjoy the water.

Go down to the Lagoon Pool and Leisure Centre, and you’ll probably find Janet Lewis swimming laps. She’s been a regular face in the swimming pools every week since 1974. Not only is that an incredible dedication to her favourite sport, what’s even more remarkable is that Janet didn’t actually know how to swim until she was 28 years old.

Find out how swimming at Lagoon Pool has changed in the last 40 years

Following the parade, families, friends and all members of the community were welcomed to check out the Jordan Recreation Centre, offering a place to relax and unwind, while learning about how YMCA helps to build stronger kids, families and communities. Guests were able to spend quality time together while celebrating the very near festive season!

Find out how almost one thousand Onehunga locals celebrat Christmas at the Sir William Jordan Recreation Centre.

YMCA Auckland aims to build stronger kids and stronger communities, so when Onehunga High School asked for help training their rugby teams, the organisation was more than happy to answer the call.

Find out how YMCA is supporting one of our local high schools and the youth in our community.

On the 27^th of July, the Raise up crew from YMCA Onehunga hosted CommUnity Kai, a fantastic event when local families could come along for a feed at a makeshift community soup kitchen.

Find out how Raise Up is warming the tummies of local community members.

For a lot of people, even the idea of getting up at 5.30 in the morning is rather draining. For Ethan Elder-Bickers, however, an 11-year-old boy from Hamilton, it’s become a way of life for two mornings each week.

What makes Ethan’s story even more impressive is that before he does this, Ethan has to put metal splints on his legs to help them work. This is something that he does every morning because Ethan has Muscular Dystrophy.

Find out how much of a difference YMCA is making in the life of an 11 year old boy. 

Summer holidays are the ultimate time for adventure – and for a lucky group of kids from the YMCA Hamilton Recreation Centre’s school holiday programme, adventure came in the form of a fishing trip to the Coromandel.

Bright and early on a late January morning, the group of eight kids and four YMCA staffers piled into two vans and hit the road; amped up for a day of sun and sights.

Find out who caught the most Snapper on the Coromandel adventure

YMCA Hamilton is dedicated to building strong kids, strong families and strong communities. This vision is at the heart of the work being done through their Melville After School Care programme.

It wasn't commercially viable to run an after school care programme at Melville Primary School, but that doesn't change the need in the community.

Find out how YMCA Hamilton is helping kids in the Melville Community.

Members of Qatar’s U-20 national football team touched down in New Zealand recently to compete in the FIFA U-20 World Cup. It’s the first time that Qatar has been a part of the FIFA U-20 World Cup for 20 years, and the team made the most of enjoying New Zealand by engaging with the local Waikato community.

Find out how Variety, YMCA and Qatar's football team have been working together to invest into the Hamilton Community