The YMCA is the result of dreams put into action, ideas transformed into deeds. It was founded in London on June 6, 1844, by 12 young men under the leadership of George Williams. Today, the YMCA operates in 120 countries worldwide.
General Secretary of YMCA Lahore, Emanuel Sarfraz, spoke at a briefing about the role of YMCA in Lahore over the past 148 years. The briefing was held in connection with the Lahore Biennale, an event in which 60 artists from 30 countries participated. YMCA Lahore was one of the main venues for the exhibition, which began on October 5, 2024, and will conclude on November 8.
Muhammad Naeem, Rev. Imran Samuel, and Augustin Shakil Zafar also contributed their insights during the briefing.
"Many of the modern sports in the region have their origins at the YMCA," Emanuel Sarfraz said. "In 1921, YMCA organized the Boys’ Scout Movement in Punjab, and it was here that volleyball, basketball, and badminton were first introduced. The first university boxing tournament in Punjab was held on the roof of the YMCA building."
He continued, "The first broadcasting station in the subcontinent was established in 1928 in the Lahore YMCA building. YMCA Lahore also hosted the city’s first Inter-Club Tennis Tournament."
"A lifetime is not enough to meet great challenges and achieve the highest goals. The YMCA movement is a prime example of this. Who would have thought that a movement which began in a small shop in central London would today span 120 countries and have the support of over 60 million people? The YMCA in Lahore, as well as in many other places, has stood the test of time. It serves as a testament to the fact that faith-based movements can be a catalyst for positive change in humanity."
"Lahore YMCA, as we see it today, is already adapting to the changing needs of society and keeping pace with new developments," Emanuel said. "The YMCA, keeping in mind the requirements of the age and changing times, is doing its best to make the process of human progress smoother and more accessible. It continues to play a vital role in providing quality education and preparing young people to boldly face the challenges of our ever-evolving world. Recently, we have introduced courses in artificial intelligence as well as skin and health care programs."