Abby Bergman ‘18
Contributing Writer
On Tuesday Nov. 14, from 5 p.m. to 6, the Smith College Swimming and Diving Team will participate in the Ted Mullin Hour of Power to raise awareness and money for Sarcoma research.
This high-energy event began at Carleton College in 2006 and has been held at Smith since 2015. All fundraising benefits the Ted Mullin Fund, which was created in memory of a Carleton College swimmer who passed away from Sarcoma cancer in 2006.
Sarcoma is cancer of the connective tissues and can occur in either bones or soft tissues. According to the Sarcoma Alliance, there are around 15,000 people diagnosed with Sarcoma in this country every year.
The Hour of Power is an important way to use athletics to help improve the lives of people suffering from Sarcoma as well as remember the qualities valued by Ted Mullin.
The aim of the Hour of Power is to raise money for cancer research, as well as to honor Ted Mullin, who was known for “leaving it all in the pool.” The concept of the event is based on one of Ted’s favorite practice sets and is a continuous all-out relay.
Participating teams swim non-stop, all-out relays for one hour, while also keeping all relays on the same lap. Teams must strategize how to maintain maximum effort and keep the different relays together.
Divers participate by completing as many flips and twists off the board as possible during the hour. According to The Ted Mullin Fund, over 167 teams now participate in the Hour of Power. Most teams participate on the same day, which helps add to the unity of the event.
As well as supporting an important organization, this event also unites the Smith team.
“The Hour Of Power is a great way to raise money for a great cause as well as bring the team and the athletic community together,” said Maddy Meadows-McDonnell ’18, Smith College Swim and Dive co-captain. “The constant relays and dives create an energetic atmosphere that helps us celebrate and appreciate each other. We hope that as many people as possible are able to make it out to help us raise money and energize us to push through a tough set!”
The Smith College Swimming and Diving Team invites the Smith community to support by attending the Hour of Power and cheering. The event will be held on Tuesday, November 14 from 5 p.m. to 6 at the Dalton Pool in Ainsworth Gym.
The team is also raising money to donate to the Ted Mullin Fund. Collection jars will be available at the event or in house living rooms until Nov. 14th. The team GoFundMe can be found at: https://www.gofundme.com/smithswimdivehop.
