This week’s Pathway to the (Y) highlights a global partnership with the YMCA of Metro Atlanta and the YMCA South Africa. We had the pleasure of speaking with Marcus Van Wyk, CEO of YMCA South Africa about this amazing partnership and what it means for the YMCA South Africa. Tune in to hear Marcus’s inspiring conversation.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [1:20] Marcus shares the high level impact that the YMCA South Africa has had on communities and individuals.

• [3:15] Marcus discusses Youth Day, and the role that YMCA South Africa played in this momentous day.

• [5:30] Marcus reflects on his experience at the Atlanta Hawks game and the potential of a global partnership.

• [6:50] A young man from a local Y in South Africa just made the national basketball team. A global partnership with the Atlanta Hawks and the YMCA South Africa could lead to more local success stories like this one.
  

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• The YMCA South Africa is where Youth Day was organized by a few thousand high school students. Youth Day was a momentous day in the lives of South Africans.

• Marcus got to experience an Atlanta Hawks game during his time in the US. There was even discussion about the potential for the YMCA’s patch partnership with the Atlanta Hawks to expand to a global partnership.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Linkedin: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Twitter: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta

YMCA Atlanta Membership - Website

BIOGRAPHY:

Marcus Van Wyk has a BA in Human Movement Studies and Psychology from the University of the Western Cape. Still, a deep sense of humanity has seen him engage in a myriad of societal sectors as he strives to apply his unique and varied skill set.

Marcus boasts further qualifications in Educational Design Programming, Integrated Solid Waste Management Planning through the USA Environmental Protection Agency, Planning and Management of Special Events, Management Programme for NPOs, Project Planning, Corporate Social Investment Programmes, Diplomacy, Health and Safety and Labour Relations, amongst others.

His most recent position is Chief Executive Officer of YMCA South Africa. Other positions were Executive Chairperson of Mthunzi Network NPC and the Chief Operating Officer for Youth for Christ South Africa. He has also served as Project Lead for the UNHCR Social Cohesion Project in SA, being Coordinator and co-founder of IAMAFRICA, which involves Ordinary People Transforming Africa, as well as Coordinator of the We Will Speak Out South Africa Coalition of faith communities working together to end Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.

As a Consultant to the South African Council of Churches (SACC), Marcus provided protocol and logistical support for the 2013 State funeral of former President Nelson Mandela.

He has also served as Advisor to the Chairman of the South Africa Dutch Chamber of Commerce. He has extensive interaction as a Relationship Manager for various enterprises, liaising with all three tiers of Government, Political Parties, Private Sector and Civil Society.

His varied commitments have seen him facilitate Waste Management infrastructure for the 2010 Football World Cup in South Africa, from being the Liaison Officer for the State visit by the Indian Prime Minister to being a volunteer firefighter with the Table Mountain National Park.

His extensive experience and networks make him ideally suited to engage across sectors and bring key role players together in search of mutually beneficial projects that have the advancement and betterment of communities at their heart.

This week we are highlighting the pathways of an incredible family who decided to learn how to swim together and the leaders who made it happen. Jax Rupert, the Robert D. Fowler Family Y Aquatics Director, shares how he first got connected to the YMCA. Jennifer Mullen, a passionate swim instructor, shares how she gives back to her community through teaching swim lessons. Ayanna, shares how she encouraged her family to all learn how to swim because she wanted her sons to be safe around any body of water. This episode is full of family and dedicated individuals who made these multi-generational swim lessons happen.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [1:00] Aquatics Director, Jax Rupert became a lifeguard at 16. Living very close to a Y in his youth, Jax became a swim instructor and a swim team coach as well. His love for water and the Y

• [1:45] Jennifer Mullen sees her time at the Y as a way to give back to the community. She has seen first hand the difference the Y is making in the community.

• [2:40] Ayanna decided to sign her two sons up for swim lessons before the summer, so that she knew they had the safety skills they needed to be safe in the water.

• [3:20] Gwendolyn’s first connection with the Y was taking swim lessons with her daughter.

• [3:45] Nicholas was introduced to the Y by playing basketball after school with his friends.

• [4:30] Ryan shares how the swim lessons were his first Y experience and he loves playing basketball with his brother.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• From the young age of 16, Jax Rupert took on as many roles in the Y’s aquatics department as possible. This began a 16 year long career with the Y.

• The Y’s aquatic center is helping people from the community learn how to swim, water safety, and encourages a unique way to stay physically active.

• Ayanna was able to sign up her family for a Y membership. This has brought them together as a family and inspired each of them to try new things and to build their relationships through their swim lessons.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Linkedin: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Twitter: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta

YMCA Atlanta Membership - Website

BIOGRAPHY:

Jax Ruppert

With a lifelong commitment to the YMCA, Jax began his journey at 16 as a lifeguard, progressing to roles as a swim instructor and swim team coach. Passionate about teaching and inspiring others, he transitioned into the role of Aquatics Director. His focus is on training and developing his staff to excel and taking immense pride in their growth and achievements. Committed to making a meaningful impact in his community, Jax spearheads drowning prevention programs, starting with educating parents on the critical importance of water safety.