Thursday, July 16, 2020
Hello All,
The Tampa Y has served the Tampa Bay community for more than 130 years, during which we have made it through many challenging times together. Historically, the Y has played important roles in helping our community endure during times of uncertainty and societal strain. The current COVID pandemic is another challenge that none of us will soon forget. In these difficult times, the Y has pivoted in response to community needs, finding ways to use our resources to offer solutions to social voids and help our neighbors. We invite you to click here to learn about the impact we pursued during the initial months of this pandemic.
As we continue to serve the community through outreach services, members are welcome back in our Y facilities to exercise while kids safely enjoy our Summer Camp, youth sports clinics, swim lessons and Stay & Play child watch areas. We’ve been back open for about two months and remain committed to keeping everyone who enters our doors safe. Following guidance from the CDC and government officials, the Y requires face coverings, made appropriate social distancing accommodations and regularly disinfects and cleans… to create a safer environment as members get back to focusing on their health and their community at the Y.
Now, more than ever, it’s important for us to be here for members so they can participate in physical activity. The World Health Organization says at a time like this, it’s very important for people of all ages and abilities to be as active as possible. According to the CDC, regular exercise helps boost our immune system by reducing stress and contributing to a more restful sleep. Exercise also encourages us to eat more nutrient-dense foods that help us perform better during our workouts and aid in reaching or maintaining a healthy weight. Exercise has also been proven to ease anxiety and depression. All of these elements can help prevent serious or deadly complications from viruses such as COVID-19.
With all that said, we understand and support those members who aren’t ready to return to the Y yet. We will welcome them back when they are ready and comfortable. In the meantime, we will continue to engage and serve all people where they are through Virtual YMCA classes.
Lastly, and just in case you missed it, I’d like to once again include a link to our 2019 Annual Report which summarizes some of the great work we achieved together in our Tampa Bay community. We are proud of where we’ve been and excited about where we’re headed. I look forward to enjoying this journey with all of you.
With appreciation,
Matt Mitchell
President & CEO