Courtesy: Asphalt Green
(New York, N.Y.) – Asphalt Green Unified Aquatics Masters Swimmer Fleur Sohtz is taking on one of open water swimming’s most iconic challenges—the English Channel—this summer, in support of Asphalt Green’s free learn-to-swim programs for New York City children. After completing two of the three swims in the Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming: the Manhattan Island Marathon Swim (20 Bridges) in 2021 and the Catalina Channel swim in 2023, Sohtz is dedicating her final stretch and ultimate achievement to giving back to an aquatics community that has transformed her life.
Sohtz’s swim journey began in Brooklyn as a club swimmer who later worked as a lifeguard at Jacob Riis Park in Rockaway Beach, leading her to swim competitively at the University of Massachusetts. After taking time away from the sport, she later rediscovered her love for swimming and open water while living in San Francisco as a member of the South End Rowing Club- swimming daily in the Bay. Her experience made her eager to join AGUA Masters when she returned to New York City, and she now trains in Lane 6 with a group of fellow Masters swimmers, many of whom have been together for nearly two decades and completed the swim around Manhattan twice last year as a relay. Five teammates are flying to the U.K. to support Fleur as she takes on this tremendous challenge.
“I feel the team behind me every time I stop to take a stroke. It’s an incredible community within Asphalt Green, and that’s why I was so motivated to give back,” said Sohtz.
Sohtz’s English Channel swim will raise money to support Asphalt Green’s free learn to swim programs and ensure more New York City children can learn the life-saving skill of swimming and benefit from the same aquatics opportunities that have been so meaningful to her. Today, Asphalt Green expands access to swim instruction through life-changing programs such as:
- Wave Makers – A groundbreaking partnership that has brought free swim instruction to thousands of New York City public school students in all five boroughs.
- Waterproofing – Asphalt Green’s original free learn-to-swim program that has taught over 100,000 New Yorkers to swim
- Athletic Scholarships – That offer talented swimmers with demonstrated financial need the opportunity to pursue their dreams in the water.
“I’m dedicating this swim to Asphalt Green’s AGUA (Asphalt Green Unified Aquatics) scholarships and inclusive swim programming for neurodivergent kids. 100% of the proceeds will go directly toward supporting these efforts,” said Sohtz.
“I am a huge believer in AG’s mission and the power of sport to unite communities and develop future leaders, both in and out of the pool. I have been swimming at Asphalt Green since the Olympic pool opened in 1993, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without the incredible coaches, the pool, and the supportive community.”
Sohtz’s fundraising campaign builds on the recent success of teenage AGUA youth swimmer Ali Wright, who organized and hosted a swim-a-thon that raised tens of thousands of dollars for Asphalt Green. Sohtz also participated in the event, swimming alongside Ali and her teammates. Now, she’s aiming to raise an additional $50,000 and hopes her swim will similarly inspire others to give back through sport and highlight the strength of the swimming community.
To support Fleur Sohtz’s campaign, visit: https://giving.classy.org/campaign/696645/donate
About Asphalt Green:
Asphalt Green is a not-for-profit organization that transforms lives and builds community through sports, fitness, and play for all. We offer world-class fitness memberships, nationally competitive sports and aquatics teams, recreational sports, and leading camp programs that empower our community members to live active and healthier lives. In addition, our unique model uses funds raised from fee-based programming to provide free and low-cost programs to those with limited access to high-quality fitness and recreational programs. asphaltgreen.org
Go Fleur!!! You are an inspiration!
Let’s go Fleur! So cool
May the waves push her to France to complete the swim safely and quickly!
Great cause to support!