I was surprised by the press coverage about the downtown Y a few weeks ago. The downtown Y isn't safe? Well that depends on who you ask. I'm a downtown Y member, and judging by the turnout lately, there hasn't been a drop in memberships. I'd read about the pepper-spray episode last March, but it didn't make me change my mind about working out there.
And I had never been a fan of the downtown Y until this past winter.
Anadis McKay battles YMCA after-school care worker Rayna Polchinsky for posession in a pick-up basketball game.
My old workout central -- Sargent Park Pool or Cindy Klassen Rec Centre -- had closed for major renovations. I needed a place to blow off some stress. I researched my options and found a family pass at the downtown Y was the most practical option.
When I was a teenager, I thought the downtown Y was out of my league. I was intimidated by the place. I thought I didn't belong there since I didn't own any fancy workout wear, and it wasn't in my neighbourhood.
We were lucky though. Back then we had the North End Y down the street. But with a big family -- I was staying with my aunt and uncle -- there wasn't always enough money for everyone to go to the Y. Growing up with a tight budget over your head, even kids try to pitch in and cut corners.
However, not having enough money for admission didn't stop you from hanging around in the lobby -- or outside on the stairs -- to wait for your friends.
One of my cousins was quite the basketball player. You should have seen the shots he'd make. Who knows where he could have ended up? When the North End Y closed the gangs got bigger and picked up the slack. A couple of months later both my cousins joined a gang.
Fast-forward to today and the North End Y is rising from the ashes. It's about time.
Until it opens, I think we might stick with the Downtown Y. The downtown Y reminds me of the Cindy Klassen Rec Centre. I love the diversity of the place. It reflects the reality of this city.
I've run on the open track and seen kids from different backgrounds play basketball together. I've been witness to everyday kindnesses, too. And one night I sat in the sauna with a South Asian woman who sang a song in her native language.
I feel welcome here.
And sadly, I've seen a few people shoot angry or scared looks at the African kids who wait for friends in the lobby. Now that's troubling. I think any time a kid makes it in the doorway of the Y it's a good thing.
Many are trying to live a healthy lifestyle instead of the many bad options out there. Want to stop future gangsters and car thieves in their tracks? Try offering every at-risk kid an open door to some better opportunities.
Trust me, I've seen it work. You're reading the column of someone who was once an at-risk youth herself.
We've got to have some faith in our kids -- black, brown and white. Be happy they're choosing the Y, instead of the streets. After all, that's what the Y's supposed to be about.
colleen.simard@gmail.com
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