For the second year in a row, the Special Olympics Unified Relay was held in Hixon Pool during Varsity Swimming and Diving’s meet with Loomis Chaffee.
Last year, Hotchkiss held the event with Choate. Mr Moon said, “It was great to see the Choate students who participated in the relay last year come up and talk about their experience with the Special Olympians.”
The Special Olympics Unified Relay is significant for the Special Olympics Club at the school. Throughout the year, the club hosts events to support Special Olympians, including the annual Special Olympics Swimathon. The club recently raised awareness of the work of Special Olympics through the Beal Lecture Series. The Unified Relay provides club members a chance to connect with Special Olympians and watch them compete.
Mr. Moon said, “It feels great to bring back this event that we started last year. It is very special for our students and club members, because we are allowed to showcase the talents of these Special Olympians.”
The community welcomed Special Olympic swimmers Nicholas Margolfo, Selina Derungs, and Mason Catania.
Mason Catania is one of Enfield Traditional Team’s newest swimmers and recently joined Special Olympics. Nicholas Margolfo has been part of the Special Olympics for 25 years, swimming on the traditional Enfield, Connecticut team. Mr. Margolfo has a history of playing in the Special Olympics National Games as well.
Selina Derungs has participated in Special Olympics for 31 years and swims on the traditional team in Simsbury. She participated in the Special Olympics National Games and Special Olympics World Games.
Both Ms. Derungs and Mr. Malgolfo participated on the same National Games team, representing Connecticut in 2014 at Princeton University in New Jersey.
The unified relay portion of the event began with an introductory speech from Mr. Moon. The three Special Olympians then met their teammates for the relays at the diving boards.
The unified element of the relay meant that every team consisted of athletes from both Loomis and Hotchkiss, along with the Special Olympics guests.
The three teams competed in two relays: a 200-meter freestyle relay and a 200-meter medley relay.
When asked about his experience of swimming the Special Olympians, Matthew Hong ‘26 said, “This was my first year swimming with them. It was such a special experience, especially with all the cheering and support for the athletes when they were crossing the finish line. I think Mr. Moon brought a great opportunity to learn about Special Olympians and brings a meaningful experience for students here at school.”
