The Gateway Family YMCA Receives Donated Basketballs from NBA Cares to Support Physical Activity

Elizabeth, NJ, June 11, 2014 --(PR.com)-- The Gateway Family YMCA has received new basketballs, thanks to a donation from NBA Cares, DICK’s Sporting Goods and Spalding®. The donation provides new basketballs to all 4 branches of The Gateway Family YMCA in Elizabeth, Rahway and Union, supporting programs that encourage kids to be physically active, develop skills and learn sportsmanship.

“The Gateway Family YMCA is thrilled to have been selected to receive this generous donation from NBA Cares and its partners,” stated Krystal R. Canady, CEO of The Gateway Family YMCA. The Y creates a positive environment for youth development, and sports are an important tool in this process. “With the donations of the basketballs, the Y is able to provide more children with the opportunity to participate in programs and services,” added Melynda Mileski, EVP/COO of The Gateway Family YMCA

Basketball, invented at the Y, plays an integral part in sports programs at The Gateway Family YMCA. The Gateway Family YMCA provides an association-wide basketball team that competes against other Y’s, as well as internal branch teams that participate in friendly competitions throughout the year. Each branch also offers programs for all ages that incorporate sports like basketball, including Summer Camp and After School Programs.

The Y has been a longtime national charity partner of NBA Cares because of the organizations’ shared commitment of encouraging individuals to live healthy lifestyles. The NBA and NBA Cares supports YMCAs across the country through partnerships with local league teams, court refurbishments of local YMCA gyms, player visits to camps and youth sports team events.

The Gateway Family YMCA is one of more than 200 Ys nationwide to receive a donation of basketballs. This program is an extension of the NBA Cares Season of Giving activation. At retail, the league will continue to work with all DICK’S Sporting Goods locations nationwide and Spalding to donate basketballs to NBA Cares community partners such as the YMCA.

For more information The Gateway Family YMCA, please visit www.tgfymca.org or contact the Elizabeth Branch at elizabethinfo@tgfymca.org 908-355-9622, Five Points Branch at fivepointsinfo@tgfymca.org 908-688-9622, Rahway Branch at rahwayinfo@tgfymca.org 908-388-0057, or the Wellness Center Branch at wellnessinfo@tgfymca.org 908-349-9622.