Run On Land For Those In The Water

A March Madness 5K walk-run fundraiser to benefit the Balls Mills Soccer Club and the Williamsport Area Swim Club will begin at 10 a.m. March 17 at Heshbon United Methodist Church, 2898 Heshbon Road.

Registration is from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m.

Costs are $20 per person or $15 for a registered U.S. Swimmer or Balls Mills Soccer Club player. The course is completely flat and is great for both families and individuals.

Prizes will be awarded for the first three overall male and female finishers, and for various age groups.

The Williamsport Area Swim Club offers youth a year-round training program from beginners to advanced competitors.

WASC is part of the U.S. swim program, a national organization that provides the structure and meets for youth to qualify for different levels of competition, including the Junior Olympics.

In addition to participating in several meets at places like Penn State University, last year seven area swimmers competed in an open water swim and a triathlon outside of Allentown. One student also qualified for and participated in the Junior Olympics.

"The March Madness 5K run-walk helps support youth in our club who want to participate in competitions," said Sue Smith, coach for the Swim Club. "We began the March Madness 5K run-walk to help support youth of all backgrounds who want to swim and play soccer, though both sports are ones that minorities do not traditionally participate in."

For more information, visit www.ballsmillssoccer.org or email shauntandsuzy@msn.com.