The 33rd Olympiad Olympics Games Paris 2024 will captivate the world this summer as athletes from around the globe gather to compete against each for Gold, Silver, and Bronze placements, identifying the best of the best. With a 3,000 year old history dating back to the Peloponnese in Ancient Greece, the modern Olympic spirit "strives to inspire and motivate the youth of the world to be the best they can be through educational and entertaining interactive challenges. Olympic Spirit seeks to instill and develop the values and ideals of Olympism in those who visit and to promote tolerance and understanding in these increasingly troubled times in which we live, to make our world a more peaceful place."

With a nod to this world-wide event, and in celebration of it being rooted in promoting harmony, peace, and the preservation of human dignity through sport, the YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo is pleased to announce its 2024 Summer Games: Reach for the Stars program.  

Running Monday, July 22 through Sunday, August 11, YMCA Members will have an opportunity to earn Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medals by completing activity cards that take them through three different levels of tasks, designed to challenge participants in Body, Mind, and Spirit. The program is not a competition against others, but a challenge for each participant to expand their healthy living journey by trying new things and pushing themselves to reach their fullest potential. Upon completion of all three tiers, Members will receive a commemorative t-shirt. (Available while supplies last.) This is a free program for Y Members. Registration is required and opens July 19.  (Maple Registration, Portage Registration) Earned "medals" are displayed on the Leader Board at each site and will serve as drawing cards for chance to win prizes*.

Click through for a sneak peek at the Bronze, Silver, and Gold activity cards. Hard copies will be available at the front desk. (But can also be downloaded and printed at home.)

Says Dave Morgan, CEO, "I urge everyone who participates to see the connection between the YMCA Movement and the basic fundamentals of the Olympics. Together, we can harness the power of sport, fitness, and healthy living to foster positive change, not just within ourselves, but within our community and beyond."

*A drawing will be held Monday, August 12 at 10a at the Maple Y and will be Livestreamed on our Facebook page. 

HOW IT WORKS (BASED ON HONOR SYSTEM):

  • Register to participate (see links above or stop at the front desk for help.)
  • Pick up Bronze Activity Card at the front desk (or download from link above.) 
  • Complete10 things from the list. 
  • When you have completed the Bronze activity card, pick up a Bronze "medal" (available at the front desk). Write your name on the "medal" and post on the leader wall.
  • Repeat with the Silver Activity card. When card is completed, pick up your Silver "medal". Write your name on it. Post on the leader wall. 
  • Repeat with Gold Activity card. When card is completed, turn into the front desk and collect your t-shirt (while supplies last). Post your Gold Medal on the Leader Wall. 

All medals posted on the leader walls by end of day August 11 will serve as entries in the August12 drawing. 

WHAT YOU CAN WIN

  • Three-month free membership
  • One-month free membership
  • One-month Full Service access
  • Personal Trainer Package
  • InBody Scan
  • $25 Voucher for Y Merch

 

July 11th, 2024