ACM-YMCA Setubal celebrated the 169 anniversary of the foundation of the YMCA movement. An "Open Week" involved hundreds of beneficiaries, members, representatives of partner institutions, volunteers and staff. The second week of June – and especially June 6th, the YMCA birthday – included worksops, sports, exhibitions and cultural events.
Representatives from YMCAs of the Netherlands, Spain, Brasil and Venezuela were also at the "Open Week". Selma Zaidi, Executive Secretary of the World Alliance of YMCAs also attended and geeted all participants on behalf of the world movement at the opening ceremony. Juan Simoes Iglesias, Secretary General of YMCA Europe was at the closing of the event and congratulated the Setubal YMCA for a succesful week. President Dr. Mario Pereira and Secretary General Luis Sebastiao together with the Board and the staff team were our hosts.
On June 22nd the Coimbra ACM-YMCA celebrated its 95th anniversary. President Dr. Fausto Carvalho, the Board and the Staff organized a reception that included inspiring music by a Gospel Choir, presentations about the work of YMCA Coimbra and the main plans for the future. Members, representatives of the main institutions that cooperate with this vibrant YMCA and families were guests at the celebrations. The music was followed by a typical lunch at YMCA camp Foz de Arouce, a landmark for educational programmes and international work for YMCAs in Portugal. Juan Simoes Iglesias was also present and in his words to the participants he encouraged the local YMCA to continue being a reference for youth and families in the Coimbra community.
