Welcome to the
The Lake Wales Family YMCA strengthens the foundations of our community through well-being and fitness, family time, swim, sports and play, and other activities for people of all ages, incomes and abilities. We’re more than just a place to work out. At the Y, we help build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all with the core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility at the heart of everything we do.
With a commitment to nurturing youth development, promoting healthy living, and fostering a sense of social responsibility, the Y ensures that every individual has access to the essentials needed to learn, grow and thrive.
21 February 2012
The shores of Lake Wailes were lit up with glowing bracelets as seventy racers participated in the Lake Wales Family YMCA’s 1st Annual Beads for Needs 5K. On Friday, February 17th we lined up and ran for a great cause, raising over $1,500 for our Teen Building summer program. The race attracted runners ages six to sixty-six, and no matter how old they were everybody had a great time. Our men’s overall winner was Angel Sanchez with a time of 20:23 and our overall women’s winner was Kristin Coker with a time of 21:04.
Winners in each age division are as follows, ladies first. Under 13 – Lauralee Turner 31:51, Ages 19-29 – Stephanie Wilson 25:42, Ages 30-39 – Kristin Coker 21:04, Ages 40-49 – 32:05, Ages 50-59 – Karen Hunt 29:32, Ages 60+ - Theresa Ryland 42:12. Our men’s winners are as follows. Under 13 – Mac Updike 24:05, Ages 14-18 – 27:39, Ages 19-29 – Corey Blanton 22:36, Ages 30-39 – Angel Sanchez 20:23, Ages 40-49 – Ken Bazzel 21:16, Ages 50-59 – Al Vigne 22:01, Ages 60+ - 26:16.
Teen Building is a daily summer program with the mission of helping teens become positive young adults. Each week we tackle a new issue that affects teen life. Our topics include violence, exercise and nutrition, personal finance, drugs and alcohol, teen pregnancy, and many other important issues. We address these matters through group discussion, workshops, and guest speakers. Our teens work hard on community service projects, and even run their own small business, a concession stand, here at the YMCA pool. The importance of exercise is also an emphasis at Teen Building. All of our participants receive access to our Wellness Center, group exercise classes, and our swimming pool. The YMCA is always working hard to make a difference in our community.
The Lake Wales Family YMCA wants to thank all of our runners. We also want to give a special thanks to our sponsor Chemical Containers. We look forward to having everybody out next year to run in this great race.
If you have any questions regarding Teen Building please contact Sam Terry at 863-676-9441 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Remember, registration for this summer’s Teen Building program will begin soon.
