In YMCA’s landmark anniversary year, YMCA175 will harness the energy, creative vision and solutionfocused approach of thousands of young leaders drawn from more than 100 countries representing six continents of the world in the city where YMCA was founded.
During this event, you will “Be part of thought-provoking lectures and interactive workshops, innovative collaborative sessions and open seminars” and you will “Learn and share about health and wellbeing, information on the history of classic sports invented by YMCA including Basketball, Volleyball and Indoor Soccer, discover innovative youth programs around the world that address critical health issues and experience interactive YMCA sports activities.”
While YMCA was founded in London in 1844, France has played a big part in YMCA’s history. By 1855 YMCA had already grown to 9 countries, and the first YMCA World Conference was held that year Paris. During the meeting the global movement signed ‘The Paris Basis’ which officially formed YMCA’s global movement and an International Committee was created; it would become the World Alliance of YMCAs.
Let’s celebrate the significant role Paris had in YMCA’s history, by sending a message of unity and celebration to the young leaders that will be converging on London in 2019 for YMCA175.
Experience the Paris London cycling experience for the YMCA175 event!
- 1855: signature of the Paris Base by 99 delegates, the founding text of the YMCA at the international level.
- 2019: a group of young people from all background bring the YMCA Paris Basis to London for the opening ceremony and deliver a message for today`s youth!
Six days of living together, solidarity and meetings between young people of different nationalities. To reach London, we will use the Greenway: inaugurated in 2012, the trip consists of 406 km of cycling between Paris and London. A great opportunity to discover the French and British landscape with many stops, to arrive at the beginning of the anniversary event.
Before the arrival in London:
- many cultural activities will be offered;
- meetings with young people from English YMCAs;
- exchange times on the subject of youth;
- and the co-construction of the message that the young participants will wish to deliver to the Assembly upon their arrival, as the journey progresses
From the 23 rd of July to the 3 rd of August 2019
Daily distance: from 40 km to 70 km
Steps (they may change):
- From Paris to Auvers-sur-Oise: 43km
- From Auvers-sur-Oise to Gisors: 43km
- From Gisors to Orival: 77km
- From Orival to Dieppe + Newheaven to Lullington: 47km
- From Lullington to Redhill: 75km
- From Redhill to London: 33km
A partner already wants to support us: an expert from the Tour de France is at our side to ensure the role of Technical Director and allow us to publicize this beautiful project. More information coming very soon on the YMCA France website and social media!
