The Kingston Family YMCA's Story

The first piece of the table has arrived!  The Kingston Family YMCA has contributed this stone from Vicki Keith Point at the headlands of the Leslie Street Spit in Toronto.  The point was named to honour the many grueling crossings of Lake Ontario completed by Vicki Keith, a world-renowned Canadian marathon swimmer and founder of the Y Knot Abilities Programs for children with physical disabilities -- a partnership that is a source of pride and inspiration for the YMCA community in Kingston.

Vicki, who holds 16 world records in marathon swimming, remembers looking out across the darkened waters after over 50 hours of swimming and seeing the beacon from the lighthouse that sits at the headlands and signals its position. The lighthouse brought hope and a promise of achievement through adversity to her. 

This stone was donated by Vicki to remind us that anything is possible with vision, hope and perseverance.

Getting Started

YMCA Canada's staff members have started digging for a story to contribute to the table.  Here are a few of the themes and questions that we're using to excavate a memorable one:

The Challenge: What was the opportunity or problem presented by the times?  Where and when did it take place?

The Characters: Who were the characters?  What were their motivations and what characteristics made them memorable?

The Action:  What did the main characters do?  What was unusual, surprising or remarkable about their actions?

The Impact:  What changed because of their efforts?  What is their legacy?

The Images: What imagery lingers in your mind?  Is there a word or phrase that sums up the story?

Check out YMCA Canada's historical timeline for a few well-known stories to stir your imagination.

(Photograph courtesy of Jill Clardy via the Creative Commons)