Madison Area YMCA Swimmers Shine at NJ Junior Olympics

A short list of Madison Area YMCA swimmers qualified for, and competed at, New Jersey’s 14 & Under Junior Olympics in March at Rutgers University. The three-day event featured more than 60 teams. Though small in number, Mariners' swimmers finished strong in both the short and distance races.

In the 10 and Under Age Group, Tirian Chang (10) had an outstanding swim, taking third place in the 50 Fly with a time of 31.14. He also finished eighth in the 100 IM at 1:13.29 and ninth place in the 100 Fly with a time of 1:14.63. He also had good performances in the 200 IM, 100 Breast and the 100 Free. Equally impressive, Sean Clark (10) had stellar performances in the 50 Back, where he took 10th place with a time of 34.44, and in the 100 Back, finishing 11th with a time of 1:15.15. He also took 15th place in the 500 Free, and had strong swims in the 200 IM, 100 Breast, and the 50 Breast. Also in this age group, Samantha Soltis (10) had strong swims in the 200 IM at 2:58.74 and in the 50 Breast at 43.52. She also swam the 50 Free and the 100 Fly. Catie Kolster (10) and Declan Robertson (10) also had good showings, with Catie swimming the 50 Fly at 36.59 and Declan finishing the 50 Breast at a time of 43.17.

In the 11/12 Age Group, Katelyn Hoffelder (12) qualified for the 50 Free, swimming a 27.86, and the 100 Free. Both Ransom Chang (12) and Anuthra Abeysinghe (11) had strong swims in the 50 Breast, finishing at 35.54 and 37.21, respectively.

In the 13/14 Age Group, Artha Abeysinghe (14) had a good performance in the 50 Free, finishing with a time of 26.62.

Recognizing the needs of our members and neighbors, and the challenges and limitations of our current facility, the Madison Area YMCA has launched a community fundraising campaign to expand our Y and to continue our mission of providing financial assistance to those who need us. With your help, we will provide additional services to encourage a healthy and active community. Together, we will connect neighbors and families, strengthening the social bonds that promote understanding. Through your generosity, the YMCA mission will reach more people in our community, making sure we can say "yes" today and in the future. For more information about financial assistance or to make a donation, please call 973-822-YMCA (9622) or visit us at madisonareaymca.org.