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Something for Everyone!

The Ottawa YMCA’s programming is built by its mission of serving the greater Ottawa area as a cause-driven organization for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

Swimming at the Y is about building the whole person and developing healthy habits that last a lifetime.
The Y offers a wide range of swimming options for the whole family, including swimming lessons for infants to adults, water aerobics exercise classes, and a competitive swim team. You’ll also find traditional open swim and lap swim times available. At the Y, swimming is a positive, fun activity that builds healthy habits, family connections and even life-saving skills.

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At the Ottawa YMCA, we understand that fitness involves more than working out. It’s about making good choices to live well inside and out. You’re not only supported by staff, but you’re also part of a community that helps you be your best self at every age. Whether you want to lose weight, get stronger, eat healthier, fight disease, improve your energy, or lower stress, we have the people and programs to help.

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The Y offers youth a path with a purpose. From early childhood to their teen years and beyond. The destination? A well-balanced adult with character, ambition, and social skills. The Y’s life programs are designed to better prepare youth for their future with skills, confidence, and social awareness that is needed to thrive on their path into adulthood.

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Our Focus on Community Impact

The Y is a cause-driven organization that is for youth development, for healthy living and for social responsibility. A strong community can only be achieved when we invest in our kids, our health, and our neighbors.

We are community-centered, bringing people together of all ages and backgrounds to bridge the gap in community needs. We believe everyone should have the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive and work tirelessly to mobilize the local community every day to effect lasting, meaningful change.

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The YMCA offers tons of ways to stay active beyond typical workout routines.

Here, sports and recreational activities are something special. With friendly competition, lots of variety and a supportive environment, you’ll have fun while improving your health.

When kids play Y-Sports, they develop more than just skills—they develop character. Instructors and coaches model fairness and hard work while emphasizing teamwork, cooperation, and developing good values in this non-competitive program. Our volunteer coaches recognize achievements large and small and understand that winning is not just about the score. By playing sports, kids and their families feel a sense of belonging that comes from a community gathering together to cheer on their team. Everyone plays, and everyone wins!

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As we journey through life, it becomes increasingly important to prioritize our well-being, especially as we reach our golden years. Staying active is a cornerstone of healthy aging, benefiting not only our physical health but also our mental and emotional well-being. In this article, we will explore the significance of staying active as a senior and shed light on how the YMCA, with its array of programs and resources, plays a crucial role in supporting senior mental health.

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