HOUSE MEMORIAL 31

49th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2009

INTRODUCED BY

Jeannette O. Wallace

A MEMORIAL

DECLARING FEBRUARY 23, 2009 AS "YMCA DAY" AT THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

     WHEREAS, for more than nine decades, the New Mexico alliance of YMCAs has brought a special dimension to community life; and

     WHEREAS, more than eight thousand two hundred families benefit directly each year from the YMCA's extensive programming for all ages and interest groups, from toddler activities to teen programs to fitness and wellness opportunities for senior citizens; and

     WHEREAS, more than thirty-four thousand youths benefit each year from programs such as YMCA after-school care, child care, YMCA basketball, YMCA volleyball, character counts, youth and government, YES Corps, counselor-in-training, YMCA summer camp, teen programs, Camp Shaver and many other fine programs; and

     WHEREAS, more than one thousand two hundred individuals volunteer at the YMCA each year, making the YMCA one of New Mexico's largest organizations that is volunteer-led and volunteer-driven; and

     WHEREAS, the YMCA is governed by a local volunteer board of directors who give generously of their time, money and effort in order that the state's residents may grow as responsible members of their families and communities; develop self-confidence and self-respect, as well as an awareness of the rights and worth of every individual; appreciate that physical and mental health are divine gifts that should be maintained through physical fitness and spiritual growth; and develop and use their capacities for leadership; and

     WHEREAS, the YMCA's ability to foster these goals depends wholly upon continued community support, partially through the United Way fund, but also through the YMCA's memberships and program support and through expansion, such as the new teen technology and recreation center in Espanola and the renovation and remodeling of two YMCA branches as well as a proposed new westside branch YMCA in Albuquerque;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that February 23, 2009 be declared "YMCA Day" at the house of representatives in recognition of the important role that the YMCA plays in providing community programs throughout central and northern New Mexico.

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