YMCA to set up a Centre for Excellence

New Delhi, Aug 9 (UNI) The YMCA Movement in India will set up a Centre for Excellence to train youth as professionals and volunteers through an innovative leadership development process.

A final decision on the location and size of the Centre would be taken at the National Board meeting of the National Council of YMCAs of India to be held here on August 12.

The Board will also take a decision on setting up a new physical education college at Muzhukode, Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu, Mr T Thomas, National General Secretary of the YMCAs said. Various standing committees of the National Council will meet here on August 11.

More than 200 delegates from all over the country would participate in the Board meeting, jointly hosted by the New Delhi YMCA.

"To build a Youth Movement Spiritually Strong and Socially Relevant" will be the theme of the meeting of the National Board, the highest policy making body of the National Council. It is the umbrella organisation of about 550 affiliated YMCAs and another 125 ones in various stages of affiliation, having a combined membership of some 110,000 fee-paying members.

Rev Samuel D Stephens, the newly elected Deputy President of the World Alliance of YMCAs will inaugurate the Board meeting.Dr Stephens from Salem in Tamil Nadu is currently the President of the Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs with headquarters in Hong Kong.

National YMCA President J Alexander, New Delhi YMCA President Stephen DaCosta, New Delhi YWCA President Lilly George, National YMCA General Secretary T Thomas, and Delhi CNI Bishop Karam Masih will address the Board meeting.

UNI GV RP DS1405