What is YMCA?
{{Infobox organization | image = World YMCA logo.png | name = YMCA | founded_date = {{start date and age|1844|6|6|df=yes}} | founder = [[George Williams (YMCA)|Sir George Williams]] | founding_location = [[London]], [[England]] | headquarters = [[Geneva]], [[Switzerland]] | region_served = Worldwide | leader_title = President | leader_name = Patricia Pelton | leader_title2 = Secretary General | leader_name2 = Carlos Sanvee | website = {{url|http://www.ymca.int/}} }} [[File:Montreal - YMCA, Rue des Récollets et Rue Sainte-Hélène - 01 - 20050324.jpg|thumb|First YMCA in Canada in [[Montreal]], Quebec]] [[File:National Youth Administration WPA boxing lessons YMCA Boise ID 1936.gif|thumb|Self-defence classes at YMCA in [[Boise, Idaho]], 1936]] The '''Young Men's Christian Association''' (or simply the '''YCMA''' or '''Y''') is an organization headquartered in [[Geneva]], [[Switzerland]]. It was originally meant to put [[Christianity|Christian principles]] into practice. It was founded in 1844 in [[London, England]], [[United Kingdom]]. At first, the organization provided beds and shelter to young men leaving the countryside for work in the cities. It promotes [[Muscular Christianity]]. [[Basketball]] was invented in an American YMCA. The similar Young Women's Christian Association was founded in 1870. == Other websites == [http://www.worldymca.org/ World Young Men's Christian Association]{{Dead link|date=March 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} {{Commons category-inline|YMCA}} {{multistub|religion|UK}} [[Category:Christian organizations]] [[Category:Youth organizations]] [[Category:1844 establishments]] [[Category:Organizations based in Switzerland]]