George Williams, Founder of the YMCA in 1844
YMCAs across the world today are celebrating the birthday of the YMCA Movement. From humble beginnings in London in 1844 today the Movement serves to empower young people in 119 countries with more than 50 million members.
Secretary General of the World YMCA, Johan Vilhelm Eltvik, said “every day is a significant day for the millions and millions of young people across the world because of the YMCA. Today, we celebrate those whose shoulders we stand on as the YMCA moves forward for at least another 173 years.”