FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FEBRUARY 28, 2020

Contact: Michelle Dilworth, Marketing Director (E) mdilworth@springfieldymca.org 217.544.9846, ext. 117

Springfield, IL – On February 28, 2020 at 4:00 p.m., the YMCA of Springfield’s Snapping Turtles will get a sneak peek of the new downtown YMCA pool area. The Snapping Turtles are the YMCA of Springfield’s special needs swim team. The Snapping Turtles are an extension of the YMCA’s Special Needs Aquatic Program (SNAP). The purpose of The Snapping Turtles is to expose individuals with special needs to new social interactions in a cohesive team environment, as well as provide them with an opportunity to compete in Special Olympics. In 2018 the YMCA sent five swimmers to Special Olympics.

The SNAP swim program is subsidized by the Strong Kids scholarship fund. Strong Kids also supports individuals who want to participate in Special Olympics. Tara Bosaw, Downtown Aquatics Director says, “We are so excited about the new facility and what it will provide to the community and our Snapping Turtles. They all work so hard and have become great supporters of each other.”

The new facility will be situated in the Enos Park Neighborhood and will bring better health and a greater sense of community to the city of Springfield. This community resource and gathering place will feature several amenities. The project will allow the YMCA to expand its community impact and continue to provide a place of belonging for residents of every age. The YMCA plans to open the new facility the last quarter of 2020.

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About the YMCA of Springfield

Since (year) the YMCA of Springfield has worked to provide opportunities for individuals of all walks of life. The Y serves men and women of all ages, religions and economic backgrounds through programs focused on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The YMCA has two main facilities – Downtown and Kerasotes – with over 18,000 members. In 2019, more than 4,500 scholarships were provided to individuals and families who otherwise would not be able to participate in YMCA membership or programs. A volunteer board of directors provides leadership to the Association, a member of the national organization – the YMCA of the USA. The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. www.springfieldymca.org and www.ymca.net