Special Event: YMCA Saddletowne to host after-hours recreation for female patrons in celebration of International Women's Day
March 8 is International Women's Day (IWD). First recognized in 1911, the purpose of the day was to bring attention to the women's rights movement and gender equality. Today, IWD is a chance to celebrate the contributions and achievements of women and to raise awareness about gender based issues such as violence against women, female reproductive rights and gender equality.
While progress has been made the last 100+ years since the women's rights movement began, we understand there is still room to improve, grow and further understand the issues and barriers women and female-identifying people face.
YMCA Calgary is committed to providing inclusive and equitable recreation experiences and health and wellness opportunities for all individuals. We recognize that some females face challenges that prohibit them from engaging in typically male dominated spaces. With this in mind, and in celebration of International Women's Day, we will be hosting a special event for women and girls to safely enjoy recreation and sport.
Female patrons are invited to Saddletowne YMCA on Saturday, March 11 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. for a female-only event.
The Saddletowne YMCA team has measures in place to ensure the event will meet religious and cultural considerations, making it a safe and private place for women and girls of all backgrounds to enjoy the gymnasium, aquatic facilities, youth room and weight floor comfortably.
This event will be closed to all male staff, volunteers and patrons. It will take place after our regular operating hours and will not decrease the regular access for our male community.
Event activities
Female patrons attending the International Women's Day event on March 11 can enjoy access to various areas of the YMCA. This will include weight floor access (including cardio equipment, weights, circuit machines, the track and a studio), the aquatics facilities (lane pool, training pool, open swim & hot tub), sports & gyms (for basketball or badminton), youth room (arts, crafts & games), and childcare (ages 3-9).
Event Access
All interested event attendees must arrive to the Saddletowne YMCA prior to 5:30 p.m. for access to the event. At 5:30 p.m., the gates to the YMCA will be closed and no additional patrons will be admitted to the facilities.
All staff and volunteers working this event will be female.
All male-identifying patrons, members and staff will be asked to leave the premise for 5:30 p.m.. This corresponds with the regular closing hours of Saddletowne YMCA and will not be limiting their regular access and membership benefits.
Male children under the age of 9 are permitted into the building at this time as long as they are accompanied by a female patron.
Event Fees & Membership
Female members will be able to use their membership to access the facility until 5:30 p.m. for the special event.
Drop-In fees will be reduced to a Member Guest drop-in rate at $11.25.
Female individuals who have purchased a drop-in rate earlier in the day would be able to return to the facility later to access the female only hours. However, these individuals must enter the facility before 5:30 p.m., and must present their stamp for re-access.
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