Swim Marathon to Fight Breast Cancer

The “Shark Tank” youth swim squad will race 5,000 meters on Sunday to support the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in D.C.

The Shark Tank Racing Squad is made up of 37 boys and girls ages 8 to 22. Swimmers are taking general donations and pledges per lap. Their goal is to raise $7,000 for breast cancer research and awareness.

“We felt we wanted to raise them as people and not just as swimmers,” said Patty Friedman, club co-founder and one of the team's coaches.

Several times a year, the club participates in community service activities and has raised $7,700 for , a local non-profit that helps needy families. They swim out of the Woodbridge Sport & Health center.

One of those swimmers is 8-year-old Julia Sharkowicz, who lives in Fairfax Station and attends .

“She is a very strong little girl and is determined to make 100 laps,” said Danielle Sharkowicz, Julia’s mother. “That’s 5,000 meters and over 3 miles of swimming. It’s not the easiest of challenges. But she said ‘I’m the youngest and I’m going to do it.’”

“I can’t wait to cheer them on,” Sharkowicz continued. “It’s not just about the swimming, it’s about building a strong character and a generous nature which is really good to see.”

In addition to Sunday’s swim marathon, Coach Friedman is also participating in the 39-mile Avon Walk for Breast Cancer on May 5. The squad will be there to cheer Friedman on as she walks. This is her fifth time participating in the walk and the second year that the Shark Squad will be on hand to cheer her on.

“Of all the walks I’ve done, last year’s was the most poignant,” Friedman said. “When I came around the corner and saw them the volume was really loud… It was just a really beautiful thing.”

“To have the chance to inspire kids to give back has been a golden opportunity,” Friedman said. “When you raise money for the walk you realize you are doing something good to help someone who is suffering. It’s a meaningful, life-changing experience.”

The swim marathon will take place on Sunday, March 4 from 2:30-5:30 p.m. at  at 13000 Sport and Health Drive in Woodbridge.

Team Shark Tank has their own fundraising page for online donations and information.