Would you take on the challenge of swimming two miles across Connecticut’s deepest lake?

The Hotchkiss Swimathon serves as a fundraiser for the local Northwest Connecticut Special Olympics swim team. Over the past 26 years, the school has raised over $200,000 for Special Olympics with the Swimathon. Usually, the Hotchkiss Swimathon took place in the Hixon pool during the first full weekend in November. This year, The Special Olympics Club has invited both former and current members of the Boys and Girls Varsity Swim Teams to participate in the same swim across the lake and back. Upon their return, participants will gather for a celebratory barbeque. 

Last year, due to COVID restrictions, the Hotchkiss Swimathon was modified. Mr. Keith Moon, the organizer of the event, swam solo across Lake Wononscopomuc due to campus COVID protocols in place. In addition to Mr. Moon, other community members also participated in the event from off-campus. For example, in late September, alumni Ian Graham ’92 swam on Nantucket Island. Co-captain of the Boys Varsity Swim team, Rahul Kalavagunta ’22, said, “Last year, we really missed a big opportunity with the Swimathon. I’ve seen how it has brought people together and inspired them to make a difference, all while having fun and helping out. I’m really glad that it’s back in any capacity this year.”

In 2019, the last pre-pandemic year, 247 swimmers raised over $16,000 for the Special Olympics. Students and other participants pledged money to the Special Olympics organization for each lap that they swam in Hixon Pool. Solicitations for donations will be made available to the community.