YMCA of San Diego County Gifts Lifetime Memberships to Local Physically Challenged Athletes

SAN DIEGO --(Business Wire)--

With a shared a commitment to improving the lives of others and making a difference in our community, the YMCA of San Diego County is pleased to announce a partnership with the Challenged Athletes Foundation® (CAF). Beginning Feb. 1, 2013, more than 150 San Diego based physically challenged athletes and their immediate families will receive a complimentary lifetime Y Family Membership.

"Because the Y is for everyone, we bring together children, adults and families of all abilities like no other organization can," said Baron Herdelin-Doherty, President and CEO, YMCA of San Diego County. "We want to give back and support our neighbors. We hope to assist and provide these incredible challenged athletes with the guidance and resources needed to achieve greater health and well-being for spirit, mind and body."

Established in 1997, CAF grew out of a desire to assist one athlete paralyzed in a triathlon. From this modest beginning arose a more important mission to make sure people with physical challenges have the same freedom to enjoy sports as everyone else. Today, the Challenged Athletes Foundation has raised more than $40 million and funded close to 7,000 grant requests from challenged athletes around the world.

Beginning Feb. 5, 2013, qualifying CAF challenged athletes are encouraged to visit their local Y branch to sign up for their family membership. Qualification inquiries can be sent to Travis Ricks at Travis@challengedathletes.org.

Belonging to the Y means challenged athletes will be able to find a safe and encouraging environment to participate in sports and physical activities. It will provide a positive atmosphere for their children to learn values, social skills and behaviors, where their family can come together to have fun and spend quality time with each other, connect with friends, pursue interests and learn how to live healthier. Visit ymca.org to find your local Y.

Y Membership Benefits:

State-of-the-Art Facilities, Equipment and Amenities: Newly Renovated Fitness & Wellness Centers, Gyms, Indoor and Outdoor Pools, Skateparks, Waterslides and Splash Pads
Group Exercise Casses like BODYPUMP™, Zumba and TRX. Pilates and Yoga classes: Mat Pilates, Fitness Yoga and Tai Chi and Water Exercise classes
Professional and nationally-certified fitness and wellness experts on staff
Nutrition and Weight Management
Specialized one-on-one or small group Personal Training and Water Personal Training
FREE fitness consultations and orientations
FREE fitness assessment
FREE kids' fitness programs
CONVENIENT ACCESS to 18 YMCA Locations in San Diego County
OPEN (News - Alert) 7 days a week
FREE guest passes each year
FREE on-site childcare, Child Watch, while you work out in many locations
FREE family programs and events
SPECIAL RATES on programs, including adult swim lessons, youth sports and more
Teen leadership opportunities, Youth in Government, Gymnastics and more

Challenged Athletes Foundation

The Challenged Athletes Foundation® (CAF) is a world leader in helping individuals with physical challenges get involved - and stay involved - in sports. CAF believes that participation in sports at any level increases self-esteem, encourages independence and enhances quality of life. Since 1994, more than $40 million has been raised and almost 7,000 funding requests from challenged athletes in all 50 states and dozens of countries have been satisfied. Additionally, CAF's outreach efforts reach another 60,000 individuals each year. Whether it's a $2,500 grant for a handcycle, helping underwrite a carbon fiber running foot not covered by insurance, or arranging enthusiastic encouragement from a mentor who has triumphed over a similar challenge, CAF's mission is clear: give those with the desire to live active, athletic lifestyles every opportunity to compete in the sports they love. To learn more, log on to www.challengedathletes.org or call 858-866-0959.

About The YMCA of San Diego County

The YMCA of San Diego County is the second largest Y in the nation serving hundreds of thousands of San Diego County residents and employing more than 4,500 people. Through a variety of programs and services focused on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y unites men, women and children - regardless of age, income or background - to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation's health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. The YMCA of San Diego County is dedicated to improving the quality of human life and to helping all people realize their fullest potential as children of God through the development of the spirit, mind and body. Visit www.ymca.org to find your local YMCA or call (858) 292-YMCA (9622).