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Health & Fitness

Continuing the Tradition of Father's Day at the Y

More than a century ago, Sonora Louis Smart Dodd aspired to create a holiday to honor fathers. Dodd, the daughter of a single father and Civil War veteran, was inspired by a Mother’s Day sermon and wondered why there was no holiday for fathers. After securing support from ministers in Spokane, Wash., her idea came to fruition with the first Father's Day celebration at the Spokane YMCA on June 19, 1910.

On Sunday, June 16, the YMCA of Greenwich joins the nation in celebrating Father’s Day and recognizing the impact fathers and adult male role models make in children’s lives. Nationally, one out of three children lives in a home without their biological father, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. And, societal factors such as unemployment, work-life balance or a lack of resources can affect fathers’ ability to seek support in strengthening their parenting skills and more fully engaging in the lives of their children. The Y remains dedicated to providing resources and opportunities for fathers to further involve themselves in the well-being and development of their children.   

“One way to improve child well-being is to increase the proportion of children growing up with involved, responsible, and committed fathers and adult male role models,” said Ed Phillip, CEO of the YMCA of Greenwich. “Father’s Day reminds us why it’s important to provide fathers with the support they need to be the best parents and caregivers they can be.”

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Studies show that children with close relationships with their fathers and other adult male role models have more self-confidence and exhibit less depression, perform better academically and engage in significantly less drug and alcohol use. 

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The YMCA of Greenwich offers  a variety of programs that foster understanding and companionship between children and their caregivers such as the open gym and swim times for families.  On Thursday evening (6/13), as part of membership appreciation week, the Y provided the inflatable climber and some great music.  Dozens of families came out to have some fun, including lots of dads.  Later this year, look for the revival of Y Guides.  This family program builds a lifetime of close, family memories.  Contact Lee Ann Borg, Youth & Family Director, at lborg@gwymca.org for more details.

To learn more about programs and activities available at the YMCA of Greenwich, contact David Cohen, Senior Director of Youth Development at dcohen@gwymca.org, or visit www.greenwichymca.org  

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