YMCA discontinues basketball, cheer programs
Published 2:28 am Saturday, March 7, 2009
The Chilton County YMCA has discontinued two of its programs, first basketball and now the All-Star Cheer program.
After evaluating several programs and activities, the YMCA’s board of directors concluded that there was not sufficient monetary intake or participation to sustain the programs. The All-Star program, the only competition cheer team at the Y, will be discontinued effective March 29.
“We are continuing to evaluate our programs to ensure we are good stewards of our finances,” Executive Director Rachel McKinnon said, adding that YMCAs across the country are having to do the same.
A letter sent to parents of participants stated that the board of directors and management regretted the “difficult decisions” of having to discontinue the programs.
“If at any time in the future we see that the need or want for this program is on the rise, we will certainly look into offering this program again,” the letter also stated.
The All-Star Cheer program consisted this year of 14 girls between the ages of 5 and 18. It was an annual program that concluded in March.
The Y will continue to offer tumbling classes, McKinnon said, which will be restructured under gymnastics.