YMCA hosting Fall Color Run on Friday at 7 p.m.
Are you ready for some flag football? Volleyball? How about some basketball? The YMCA is offering numerous opportunities for the youth in the community. In addition to the seasonal sporting opportunities, the YMCA will be hosting the Fall Color Run on Friday from 7 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Registration can be completed up until the start of the event.
“Our sports seasons are still on schedule. We are making alterations to keep our youth and spectators safe while allowing our youth to continue some sort of normal,” Dathan Jones, YMCA of Big Spring Director, said.
Currently the YMCA is in the middle of flag football season and preparing to enter volleyball season. Flag football games are taking place on Saturdays across from the YMCA and Birdwell Park.
“For flag football we have put some safety precautions in place to help support social distancing. Instead of having the kids shake hands or high five at the end of the game we just have them walking by and saying ‘Good Game’ which elimantes the
contact,” Jones said. “We have also asked parents to not enter the field, even after the games have concluded. This helps provide an added layer of distancing for the youth.”
In addition to flag football, volleyball sign ups have been taking place over the past few weeks. Registration closed on Oct. 4 and and games are set to begin Oct. 24. Of course, in addition to volleyball season kicking off, registration for basketball will take place through Dec. 4, allowing parents a substantial amount of time to register. The basketball season will start in January.
“We want to make sure that parents have enough time to get their kids signed up and the extended registration period allows for a few more pay periods in and let’s parents sign up when its more convenient for them,” he said. “We want to make sure the youth that wants to play is able to play, so even those who are needing some financial support can reach out and ask about our scholarships.”
In addition to social distancing practices, the YMCA has added extra cleanings throughout the building to limit the spread of coronavirus and other viruses. A new electrostatic spray is being utilized for an added coat of protection on high traffic surfaces. According to Jones, the spray helps sanitize surfaces for up to 60 days, and is being reapplied about every 30 days. The spray is in addition to ramped up cleaning that has been implemented. The additional cleaning practices are being paired with some alterations for volleyball and basketball seasons.
“During our sporting events we are asking that parents bring their own seating. We will not be bringing out bleachers due to the current pandemic. We will be cleaning in between games and we are requiring masks be worn while in the gym,” he said.
The YMCA of Big Spring is taking measures to ensure the youth in the community are able to participate in annual sport seasons, for as long as possible. In addition to sports, swim classes are also being offered on a private basis. Those wanting to sign up for swim lessons can do so by contacting Amy Ogle, the aquatic director.
“At the beginning of the pandemic we were part of those who had to close our doors to help slow the spread, but we have since opened our doors and are back to normal schedules for the most part,” Jones said. “We are back up to 75% capacity per the Governor’s orders and we are offering all of our classes. We want the community to know we are still here and the entire staff is working every day to keep the facility clean and safe for all of our members and visitors.”
In an effort to keep the community informed about different classes offered at the YMCA, Expo Nights will soon be ramping up. According to Jones, each Expo Night will highlight a different class to provide an opportunity for those thinking about taking the class to try it out. During the Expo Nights, childcare will be provided, which will allow for the new curriculum to be demonstrated as well.
“We offer a wide range of fitness classes for all ages and we want to make sure the community knows about all the options,” he said. “Over the past year we have made several additions and advancements to what we offer and these Expo Nights will be an opportunity for those who haven’t had the opportunity to check out our classes or our building to do so.”
To find out more about the YMCA or upcoming events, download the Daxko mobile app to view the Community Calendar. The app can be downloaded by visiting http://https://apps.daxko.com/jvDsmqZlc8. For those wanting to pick up a membership to the local YMCA, call 432-267-8234.