By The TimesLedger
The Cross Island YMCA, 238-10 Hillside Ave., Bellerose, offers Instructional Racquetball for youngsters ages 8 through 14. Racquetball pro Lorraine Galloway, ranked No. 1 in the National Women’s Open Amateurs, instructs participants in fundamentals of the game, including strokes, grips, foot work, game strategy and rules. The program is available to YMCA members as well as non-members. It is offered on Wednesday afternoons.
The YMCA also offers Sports Bugs, an introduction to a variety of sports for boys and girls, 4 and 5 years old. Participants will learn motor skills, hand-to-eye coordination and will develop skills in various sports including soccer, tee-ball, basketball, floor hockey and other sports appropriate for this age group.
The 10-week program starts Feb. 1, and is offered on Friday and Saturday afternoons. Space is limited. Registration takes place at the member registration desk.
The YMCA has also expanded its handball offerings for youngsters 10 through 19.
Junior Handball Instruction is offered on Thursdays between 5 and 6 p.m. and Saturdays 12 to 1 p.m. for boys and girls. Participants will learn the fundamentals and skills needed for one wall and four wall handball from USHA Certified Coach Mike Watson. Classes begin Jan. 31, and space is limited.
Watson will conduct a handball clinic on Jan. 29, at 5 p.m. at the YMCA. It is free for YMCA members. All ages are welcome to register at the member registration desk.
Learn the skills and fundamentals of the great American pastime — Baseball. The Cross Island YMCA’s Instructional Baseball program is for boys and girls ages 6 through 15. Classes begin on Feb. 3.
Baseball is one of the most popular youth sports in the United States. The Y’s coaches are experienced and trained to teach all areas of the game, including hitting, pitching, running, fielding and more.
The Cross Island YMCA is also offering martial arts for youth beginner and youth intermediate participants. Y members and program members can register for one, two or three times per week sessions.
Martial Arts Sensei Guy Blackman holds a sixth-degree Black Belt in the systems of Aikijstsu and Ninjutsu, which are taught within the structure of the “Way of the Bushido” martial arts system.
Space is limited and this program is popular at the Cross Island Y. Register at the member registration desk. Registration for new programs members begins Jan. 21, and the program begins Jan. 28.
For more information on this program and other sports programs at the Y, contact Sports Director at Ken Conyers at 479-0505 ext. 138.
