The ACJ of Peru was founded on 17 May 1920, at the initiative of the Peruvian engineer Ricardo Tizón y Bueno and with the help of Dr. Jay C. Field, the first Secretary in Peru. The initial program combined educational, social, physical, and sports activities, recreational and general orientation. The Association introduced Physical Education, gymnastics, water polo and water basketball to the country; it also spread volleyball, basketball, table tennis and new styles of swimming, as well as the celebration of Mother’s Day. YMCA Peru has a national presence and its services directly and indirectly reach 30,000 people.