DePaul Announces Partnership with YMCA of Metro Chicago
CHICAGO, September 20, 2023 — DePaul Athletics has announced a new community engagement partnership with the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago focused on the power of sports to inspire change and connect communities.
The multi-faceted collaboration will include several community activations, including programming at the Y's HER Court, designed by local artist Crystal Zapata, and located on 63rd and South Stony Island at the South Side YMCA. HER Court represents a partnership between the Y and NIKE to "Celebrate HER" as part of their shared mission to continue to honor the City of Chicago, women athletes, and all young women in the Y's communities.
Additionally, DePaul will welcome and spotlight local youth, community sports leaders, and changemakers at men's and women's basketball games this season to showcase The Power of Play — the YMCA's new brand campaign that, among other aspects , recognizes and celebrates the power of youth sports and furthers the Y's commitment to empowering kids to lead healthy, active lifestyles.
"DePaul Athletics' new partnership with the YMCA of Metro Chicago represents our alignment on the power of sports, and physical activity, to be a changemaker in our communities," said Vice President and Director of Athletics DeWayne Peevy. "The YMCA's existing community engagement framework and commitment to accessible, inclusive programming throughout Chicago provides DePaul Athletics a unique way to help support and further their efforts while also providing our student-athletes with a mutually beneficial opportunity to be community leaders."
This partnership will allow for further exploration and storytelling of basketball's great history. The very first game of basketball was played in Dec. 1891 in Springfield, MA, as creator James Naismith, a 30-year-old physical education faculty member at the YMCA International Training School, was tasked with creating a game that could focus young athletes and be played indoors in the winter. DePaul will spotlight how the game has evolved over the years, including the advancement of equity throughout the sport, as DePaul celebrates its 50th season of women's basketball.
"'The Power of Play' is all about the ability of fun and joyful actions to bring us together, inspire hope and opportunity, and move our communities forward," said Dorri McWhorter, President & CEO, YMCA of Metro Chicago. "Partnering with an iconic Chicago athletics program to engage with sports enthusiasts of diverse backgrounds and foster their love of the game — whatever their game may be! — is that power in action."
Fans should stay tuned for forthcoming information on events in the Chicago community and at Wintrust Arena, the home of DePaul men's and women's basketball.
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About the YMCA of Metro Chicago
The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago is the leader in accessible, inclusive programming for more than 300,000 individuals each year, strengthening the community by connecting people to their purpose, potential, and each other. The YMCA of Metro Chicago is evolving to become a 21st-century social enterprise for the region, through an association of 14 centers, 5 overnight camps, and 100 extension sites throughout Chicagoland and the Midwest. Learn more about the Y's locations and programming at ymcachicago.org.
About DePaul Women's Basketball's 50th Season
The DePaul women's basketball program will celebrate its 50th varsity season in 2023-24 and is set to honor the program's storied tradition and rich history with various initiatives throughout the year. Blue Demon fans can visit DePaulBlueDemons.com/WBB50 throughout the entire season to stay up to date with all the latest news, notes, and stories on the 50th season celebration. Fans are encouraged to join the conversation and share their fondest memories of DePaul women's basketball on all social platforms using the hashtag #DePaulWBB50.
MEDIA CONTACT
Katy Broom
Director of Public Relations and Communications
[email protected]
312-932-1171