Welcome to Mission Moment, a series from CEO Amy Vendt where she highlights moments from around the Bath Area Family YMCA that exemplify our association’s commitment to our mission of promoting the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities.
Basketball is one of the country’s premier sports. It has been around since the late 1800s, but did you know it was created by YMCA staff member James Naismith at Springfield College? What began as a simple response to a need for an inexpensive indoor game has grown from YMCA gyms to backyards and community courts, all the way to the NBA, WNBA, and the Olympic stage.
(Left) James Naismith; (Right) a group photo of young basketball players at the Bath Y
But basketball is about more than the game. It builds teamwork and creates friendships that can last a lifetime. At the Bath Y, there’s a group of about 16 men—and two women—who embody this spirit. They have been playing together every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning for more than 20 years. Among them is a married couple who share the court three times a week, and Frank Roberts, the group’s oldest participant, at 89 years old. When asked why he continues to play, Frank shared that “basketball at the Bath Y is more than a game – it’s family”.
(Left) Frank Roberts; (Right) Frank and co. playing a game of basketball at the Bath Y
Although they call themselves the Senior Basketball group, they are truly young at heart. When I asked why they keep coming back, their answers ranged from “it gets me out of the house” to “it’s fun” to “basketball is a key part of my mental and physical health”. Some members travel 30-40 minutes just to be here. For them, basketball is a way to relive a childhood love, feel younger, improve balance and stability, and stay active while having fun. Most of all, basketball at the Y builds camaraderie with friendships that extend well beyond the walls of the Y.
And to think, all this started with James Naismith, a soccer ball, a peach basket, and a little imagination. If you are wondering about the peach basket – come see me and I tell you the story of the first basketball game and how it ended.
Who knows what the Y will envision next to meet the evolving needs of our community?