Coach Bobby Baker Lower Gym Dedication Ceremony Recap
On, August 9, 2025, the Sumter Family YMCA proudly hosted a special ceremony dedicating our court in honor of Coach Bobby Baker. Family, friends, former players, YMCA members, and community members gathered to celebrate Coach Bobby Baker’s more than 60 years of coaching, mentoring, and serving the youth in the Sumter community and beyond.
The event included heartfelt remarks, moments of reflection, and the unveiling of the new dedication signage. Attendees shared stories of Coach Baker’s decades-long dedication to basketball and youth coaching, highlighting the countless players he has mentored, the teams he has guided, the lessons he has taught both on and off the courts. His commitment to our YMCA and community has been constant throughout his career.
Coach Baker often emphasizes that coaching is more than just basketball—it’s about teaching young people life skills like teamwork, perseverance, and character that carry over far beyond the court. His guidance has helped shape generations of youth and continues to inspire all who have learned from him.
The Item and WIS News 10 covered the ceremony and highlighted Coach Baker’s lasting impact on Sumter. Even today, he continues to serve others, giving his time and energy to the Crosswell Home for Children and staying closely connected to our YMCA community. His dedication to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility embodies the mission of the Y.
The court dedication not only honors Coach Baker’s extraordinary contributions but also ensures his influence will be felt by generations to come. Every time a child picks up a basketball or joins a team on that court, they’ll be stepping into the lessons and values he shared throughout his career.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who attended this meaningful celebration and to those who helped make the event possible — from donors, organizers, speakers, and article writers, volunteers, and media teams. As we look toward the future, we carry Coach Baker’s living legacy with us — “coaching the game of life” by building stronger connections, healthier families, and a brighter community for all.
stronger connections, healthier families, and a brighter community for all.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
To Relive the Moments
• View the full photo gallery from the ceremony here
• Follow us on Instagram: @ymcaofsumter1912 , for more highlights and YMCA updates
TEE UP FOR A CAUSE
GOLF TOURNAMENT
Hosted At Beech Creek Golf Club
5th Annual Tournament – Friday, April 17, 2026
Location: Beach Creek Golf Club
1800 Sam Gillespie Blvd, Sumter, SC 29154
Registration available in-house and online starting February 9, 2026
The Sumter Family YMCA is pleased to host our Forth Annual “Tee Up For A Cause” golf tournament to be held at Beech Creek Golf Club. Join us for a day of friendly competition on the golf course in support of the YMCA! As a participant, you will not only enjoy a day of golf, food, fun and prizes, but you will also be contributing to the ongoing mission of the Sumter Family YMCA!
Format: Captain’s Choice Scramble
Registration/Breakfast/Warm-Up: 7:30 am
Shotgun Start: 9:00 am
Lunch/Awards/Raffle: 1:00 pm
Registration Includes:
18 Holes of Golf And Golf Cart
Breakfast & Lunch Provided
Swag Bag Including Tournament Goodies
Door Prize Tickets
There will be CASH Prizes for top scoring teams and additional prizes for bottom scoring teams too!
1st Place: $1,000
2nd Place: $500
3rd Place $250
$100 per player
MVP CONTEST PACKAGE
$25 PER GOLFER
Package Includes:
1 Use of AiR 15 Cannon – $20 Value
2 Mulligans – $20 Value
5 Extra Door Prize Tickets – $10 Value
$50 Value for just $25 per player!
Contact Derek Burress, Community Outreach Director, Sumter Family YMCA dburress@ymcasumter.org call 803-774-2514
Wounded Warrior 5k 2026
Location:
Patriot Park
380 General Drive, Sumter, SC 29150
Check-in begins at 8:00 am
Join us for the Patriots Wounded Warrior 5K as we come together to honor and support our wounded warriors and military community. This family-friendly 5K welcomes runners and walkers of all ages and abilities.
Race Details:
Saturday, April 25, 2026
Race Start: 9:00 am
Registration available in-house or online January 1 – April 10
General Registration: $30
E1–E4 Military Registration: $15
We are proud to announce Army Veteran and City Councilman Calvin Hastie as the featured speaker for opening ceremony remarks.
Turkey Trot 5k
Thursday, November 26, 2026 @ 9 AM!
Start Thanksgiving off the right way with a run or walk: Bring your family, friends and your pets as we celebrate health and blessings for the 44nd year! The Gobbler Dash Fun Run for kids is back this year with t-shirts and trophies for the kids!
Turkey Trot: Certified 5K course, finish line and chip timers by Strictly Running, T-Shirts
Gobbler Dash: City trail for kids ages 6 to 9, supervised by YMCA Staff
Register Fall 2025 at the YMCA or online
Packet Pick-up: Wednesday, November 25 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm in the Community Health Room at the Y
Race Day Registration: Begins 8 AM
Race: Begins 9 AM
Volunteers are needed to make this event a success. For more information, contact Missy Corrigan at 803-773-1404.
