WHEREAS, This year marks the 160th anniversary of the founding of the first YMCA in the United States, a history marked with highlights such as inventing basketball, volleyball, racquetball, pioneering camping, and swimming lessons. YMCAs helped found the USO and Boy Scouts of America and volunteers provided support and services to millions of soldiers during the Civil War, World War I, and World War II; and
     WHEREAS, Since 1884 in our great state of Washington when the YMCA of the Inland Northwest in Spokane was founded, YMCAs are at the heart of community life in neighborhoods and towns across the nation, where they provide quality programming with a focus on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility; and
     WHEREAS, The YMCAs of Washington are for people of all faiths, races, abilities, ages, and incomes and they serve more than 320,000 adults and 290,000 children in our communities through health programs, such as chronic disease prevention, swimming, sports, and fitness programs; through high quality early learning child care and after school care services, which assist in school success; and through camps for young people, which provide an opportunity to explore the outdoors, build self-esteem, and make lasting friendships and memories; and
     WHEREAS, Since 1947 the YMCA Youth and Government program has worked with 35,000 high school students to learn about civic responsibility through its annual student legislature and mock courtroom trial programs; and
     WHEREAS, The YMCAs of Washington provide more than 40 million dollars annually in funding to support our communities through scholarships, subsidies, partnerships, and sponsorships; and
     WHEREAS, The YMCAs of Washington have more than 20,000 individuals who volunteer at their local Y's each year, who generously give 6.9 million dollars in time, expertise, and resources to assist in the efforts to strengthen our communities;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize and celebrate the 160th Anniversary of the founding of YMCA in the United States, and honor Washington State YMCA members, volunteers, and staff that serve our communities; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize the YMCAs of Washington State and honor their commitment to social responsibility and their commitment to the development and healthy living of our residents.