Catholic Youth Organization (CYO)

Physical Fitness and Sports

A Division of Catholic Charities Community Services, CYO engages 28,000 youths yearly in sports and spiritually-based activities promoting health, sportsmanship, fairness and team building. CYO collaborates with 225 parishes to form more than 1,700 teams playing basketball, cross country, track and field, baseball/softball and cheerleading. None of this would be made possible without the generous support and dedication of our base of 4000 volunteers.

Learning and Skill Building

CYO holds annual Art and Essay Contests to encourage young people to explore their various talents. We also have added a chess program in some locations to encourage critical thinking.  We are always looking for new ways to keep young people engaged and offer outlets for kids to explore new things.

Community Support

CYO members are encouraged to become active community members through volunteer service projects. After Hurricane Sandy, more than 160 CYO volunteers, coaches, and parents delivered supplies to neighbors in need. This is just one example of the way that CYO youth learn what it means to be part of a community that cares.