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Colts owner Jim Irsay donates gift to rename YMCA at CityWay

Posted at 6:43 PM, Sep 13, 2016
and last updated 2016-09-13 18:43:23-04

INDIANAPOLIS -- The YMCA at CityWay will be receiving a new name after a generous gift from the Irsay family.

A special program was held in the gymnasium of the facility on Tuesday to announce the partnership. The new name for the facility will be the Irsay Family YMCA at CityWay.

Colts owner Jim Irsay spoke on behalf of his family. "Across the country, YMCAs excel with programming for young people, starting with swimming classes for toddlers. Indianapolis is blessed to have a strong and active Y program for children, teens, young adults, adults and seniors. Keeping the health of people’s spirit, mind and body has been the mission of the Y for its long history and we should all celebrate the good work they do for all of us."

Irsay was joined by Colts quarterback Andrew Luck and Mayor Joe Hogsett for the announcement Tuesday afternoon.

"The Y has been a great community partner, here and across the country, said Luck.  “In the Indianapolis area alone, the Y provides before and after school care for more than 100 schools and "camps" throughout the school year when the buildings are closed for holidays and vacations. As an advocate for the NFL's youth fitness initiative, Play 360, I thank the Y for its ongoing programs for youth and teens."

The Irsay’s donation will not only help the YMCA at CityWay but will also provide funding for the OrthoIndy Foundation YMCA. That facility is to be built in Pike Township and will feature community services as well as programs specifically for military service members and veterans. The Y is still raising money for that project.

“We are thrilled to have received this generous gift from the Irsay family,” said Eric Ellsworth, President/CEO, YMCA of Greater Indianapolis. “This wonderful donation will allow us to continue to enrich lives and improve the quality of life in our Indianapolis community."

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