The Woodlands Family YMCA awards local resident highest volunteer honor

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- Every year The Woodlands Family YMCA recognizes an outstanding volunteer for his or her generosity of spirit, hard work and compassion for others. Valor Cooper has been named this year’s YMCA Volunteer of the Year.

Valor was presented with his award at the YMCA of Greater Houston’s Annual Celebration on Saturday, April 29. He joined 30 others, each representing an individual YMCA center.

Valor is a strong believer in investing in the maturation of humanity. He has been coaching and training basketball for over 20 years and has been involved in ministry for over 28 years. He started volunteering at The Woodlands Family YMCA four years ago when he was asked to be an assistant coach. Since this time, he has coached two to four teams each basketball season.

Valor prides himself on having a diverse team that demonstrates respect for others and teamwork. He has been positively impacted by those he works with and in turn feels the need to make a difference in the youth and families he coaches.

“As most of you know, at the YMCA, strengthening communities is our cause,” said Christine Chapman, district executive director of The Woodlands Family YMCA. “Valor has been an active part of our cause by giving his time and talents to those who need it most. In fact, none of the work we do would be possible without the dedication and passion of our volunteers who put in so much effort in making our cause their own.”

YMCA volunteers work tirelessly to help children, families and individuals overcome barriers and achieve more in areas of education, chronic disease prevention, swim safety and family relationships. They also focus on ensuring that the YMCA’s written mission statement becomes a reality in the lives of thousands of people who walk through the centers’ doors each day.

For more information about volunteer opportunities at the YMCA, visit www.ymcahouston.org.