2023-2024 Impact Report

Did you know, the YMCA has a long history with the game of basketball?

In 1891, Dr James Naismith of the YMCA in Massachusetts invented basketball to keep people active and connected in the Winter. Today, we know the sport has the ability to change perceptions, break down prejudices and inspire positive change. It transcends borders, cultures, languages and abilities, being able to foster community and a sense of belonging.

Basketball reaches across the globe and inspires people both on and off the court, and here at the Y Canberra Region, we witness this inspiration with our RAID (Recreational Activities for Intellectual Disabilities) Basketball program, which has been a core program at our Y since 1984.

RAID provides participants with an opportunity to be part of a sporting team and to enjoy, not only the game itself, but the friendship, pride and confidence that comes from being part of a team.
Operating on a Wednesday night, the program is enthusiastic, noisy and competitive, with it being the starting point of friendships that have significant impact on the lives of participants, volunteers and staff – with some people attending for over 20 years, and volunteers returning as staff members!

The Y has been partnering with Radford College since 2006, with the program offering the College’s students the opportunity to volunteer at RAID, promoting wholistic development, fostering leadership skills, and nurturing a sense of community responsibility.

World Basketball Day

On December 21st 2023, the United Nations announced the Inaugural World Basketball Day, so with our RAID Basketball Program, the Y partnered with Bruton Basketball Foundation, a foundation that provides basketball programs to connect at-risk and disadvantaged youth and provide them with the skills, knowledge and capabilities to be positive and motivated leaders.
It was a night of laughter and bringing together people and communities with their love of the game.

Canberra Day Balloon Spectacular

The Canberra Balloon Spectacular is an event we eagerly anticipate each year, and it just keeps getting bigger and better. Over the March long weekend, hot air balloons fill the sky in a breathtaking display of colour and wonder. This year, 76 people joined our Y Sailing Club team in the early morning dawn with one of the hottest tickets in town.

In small groups, the teams set out at 6am, paddling kayaks to the Central Basin of Lake Burley Griffin and taking in the stunning views of beautiful Canberra from the water, watching the sunrise and balloons take off and float around the lake. An annual and ultimate Canberra experience.

The Y Sailing Club Youth Committee

This year was another great year for the youth at the sailing club we picked up right where we left off increasing in numbers and the events we ran.

The highlights include two youth teams in the ACT team racing competition with the Y coming 3rd out of 19 as well as running our most successful ACT youth championships in many years with over 30 competitors across many classes of boats.

We also advanced on the social side as well running our annual youth day with a stronger turnout, and our members at the Sailing Club predominantly aged under 30!