Youth Rugby Program Starts at YMCA
The YMCA of Greater Tulsa is offering area youth an opportunity to learn the game of rugby. The curriculum for this YMCA program is a non-contact introduction to rugby that is suited for children ages 7-14 regardless of their gender, size, shape or ability. Classes will begin in February at the downtown branch.
Played worldwide by more than 120 countries and in many cities across the United States, rugby is gaining popularity in Oklahoma with many established and new high school, college and adult teams competing not only here in the state but nationally. The most common misconception of rugby is that it is a crazy game resembling football without padding. In fact, it is a game of strategy, decision-making, finesse, agility and teamwork, and if coached professionally, has proven to be safer than many other contact sports.
“I am excited that the youth in the Tulsa area will have the opportunity to learn a new sport that promotes our core values of caring, respect, responsibility and honesty,” says Kris Falvo, executive director of the downtown branch.
In addition to learning a new sport, children will gain knowledge in individual leadership, respect, responsibility and communication. Rugby is also great for increasing athletic skills such as balance, coordination, agility, visual awareness, ball handling, decision-making and core fitness.
The youth rugby program is part of the YMCA of Greater Tulsa’s new initiative called Activate America that will focus on health and wellness for all. One of the primary goals is to offer programming that will help reduce and prevent childhood obesity.
For more information or to register, contact Zach Bible, downtown YMCA office supervisor, at Zbible@ymcatulsa.org or (918) 728-3943.
Updated 02-18-2008
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