Community Corner
Teenage Ninja Warrior Honored By Lacey Council
Ava Colasanti was recognized by the township council for representing Lacey on a national stage in the "American Ninja Warrior" competition.
LACEY, NJ — Ava Colasanti has been making Lacey Township proud over the past few months.
Colasanti, 16, competed against elite athletes in the 13th season of "American Ninja Warrior" on NBC, representing Lacey on a national stage.
During each episode, athletes run, climb and jump through obstacle courses, putting their strength, agility and coordination to the test.
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With her speed and agility, Colasanti advanced to the national finals of the competition, which took place in Las Vegas and aired on Aug. 30.
Her final run came to an end when “she was knocked out by the jumping spider,” said Mayor Peter Curatolo as he read a proclamation during a recent council meeting.
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Curatolo and the Lacey Township Council recognized the work ethic that Colasanti exemplified on the show.
“Ava’s attitude, drive, determination and hard work earned her national and statewide recognition” Curatolo said. “It’s great to see you made national acclaim and we’re all really, really proud of you.”
At 10 years old, Colasanti began training at the Base Camp gym in Toms River, “where she excelled in competition for three years and then joined the National Ninja League where continued to excel and qualify for the world championship in February 2019,” Curatolo said.
Colasanti now trains at Centercourt Athletic Club in Chatham and has also participated in cross country running for Lacey Township High School.
Township administrator Veronica Laureigh asked Colasanti what motivated her to participate in the competition.
“I told myself the first day I went to Base Camp that I wanted to be on the show someday,” Colasanti said. “I just trained super hard and set my mind to it. I didn’t realize it would come this fast, but it’s been awesome.”
Colsanti thanked the community for supporting her and tuning in to watch her compete. She plans to continue training to return to the show again in the future.
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