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Otters Relay Team

Congratulations to the Otters Relay Team for successfully completing their English Channel swim! The Otters relay completed their swim on July 30 in 11 hours and 59 minutes. To see their course and the updates as they were posted during the swim, see the link below.

  • Otters Relay Updates

    Congratulations to the Otters Relay Team for meeting their fundraising goal of $20,000! The Swim for Change campaign still needs your help. Make a donation today to help provide aquatics opportunities to even more children and youth!

    Meet the Otters Relay Team

    Mattea Allert
    Age: 13
    School: Saint Helena Catholic School

    "It's rare to be the first, and even more rare to be able to fulfill a dream while helping others. I am Swimming for Change because I would like to see a change in my community."

    Keelin Nave
    Age: 14
    School: Southwest High School

    "I am not afraid of a good challenge and I never back down."

    "Swimming the Channel will help raise awareness of health disparities. I want to make a difference and help others."

    Sif Nave
    Age: 16
    School: Southwest High School

    "If I want something, I don't just let it go by the wayside."

    "I believe strongly in the purpose for swimming the English Channel. This swim will spread the word that not everyone has the chance to learn how to swim. It will create more opportunity."

    Benito Ramirez
    Age: 14
    School: South High School

    "I know this won't be an easy thing to accomplish. I am prepared to do whatever it takes to get our team across the Channel."

    "The Swim for Change campaign means a lot to me because I really enjoy swimming and believe everyone should have the chance to learn how to swim."

    Betsy Robertson
    Age: 14
    School: Saint Paul Central

    "This sort of an opportunity doesn't come along everyday."

    "Knowing that I'm swimming the English Channel this summer makes me feel like an amazing swimmer. I want to make everyone aware of healthy choices, and that's exactly what this campaign will do."

    Hallee Surber
    Age: 14
    School: Highland Park Junior High School

    "When I set a goal, I work hard to make it happen."

    "I am strong and healthy thanks to swimming. I want everyone to have the opportunity and the same experience I've had on the YWCA Otters swim team."

    Mandy Theissen
    Age: 15
    School: South High School

    "It never occurred to me not to swim the English Channel."

    "I think with enough determination, commitment and passion you can do anything. The Swim for Change will bring swimming opportunities to more people."

    Grete Wilt
    Age: 14
    School: Southwest High School

    "I have grown so much from this sport and I want to see others grow as well. I believe I can help people learn to conquer their fears and rise over obstacles. The Swim for Change will create an opportunity for people who can't swim and don't have the chance to learn."