The Young Men's Christian Association (or simply the YCMA or Y) is an organization headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. It was originally meant to put Christian principles into practice. It was founded in 1844 in London, England, United Kingdom. At first, the organization provided beds and shelter to young men leaving the countryside for work in the cities. It promotes Muscular Christianity.[source?]
Basketball was invented in an American YMCA.[source?]
The similar Young Women's Christian Association was founded in 1870.
Other websites
World Young Men's Christian Association[permanent dead link]
Media related to YMCA at Wikimedia Commons