For the health and fitness
conscious.
Basketball invented in 1891 is credited to Dr. James Naismith, at the YMCA in Springfield MA.. The goals are elevated baskets 18" in diameter and 10 feet above the floor.
Although the ancient Greeks and Romans had games similar to football the modern game is of English origin. As early as the 12th century, whole villages played the game of football, in which the ball was kicked and carried through the streets.
The origin of golf is obscure, though an ancient game of Holland and Belgium, played usually on the ice and called Kolf, may be its progenitor. The Scotch were among the earliest golf players, although the game was popular in England in the 15th century. It gained popularity in the US. at the close of the 19th century.
Baseball the national game of the United States as it is now known, was first played a Cooperstown, N.Y., home of the Baseball Hall of Fame Museum. Major General Abner Doubleday is credited with inventing the game, or at least adopting in near it's present form.
Endurance swimming has a semi-mythical ancestry in the crossing of the Hellespont by the Greek lover Leander to meet Hero. The first person to swim across the English Channel was Captain Matthew Webb in 1875.
Before 1870, tennis was an indoor game, now called court tennis, was first played in modern times by the French. The name is by some authorities derived from the word "tenez", meaning "seize it" or "play".
In England competition in running jumping, and other sports is mentioned as early as the 12th Century. A standing challenge to athletes is to prove that even the seemingly ultimate records are only temporary.
A game, usually played indoors, in which 5 or more players on a side may engage. A spherical, leather-covered ball is used. The object of play is to volley the ball, striking it with the hand, back and forth over the elevated net. The failure of one side to return the ball scored a point for their opponents.
The Norfolk YMCA is a 75,000 square-foot facility constructed in May 1981, and offers full fitness service for the complete family. This facility offers basketball, indoor and outdoor running tracks, soccer, baseball, softball, aerobics, cardiovascular fitness, youth sports, aquatics, racquetball, gymnastics, fitness, swimming, an outdoor sun deck, handball, preschool area and many other programs for all ages. Non-members are always welcome.
