Special swimmers in the 2009 Palarong Pambansa attracted the attention of spectators as they competed in different swim events at the newly refurbished Leyte Sports Development Center in Tacloban City.

According to the Palarong Pambansa website, eight of the players came from the Calabarzon region, two from Central Visayas, and one from Northern Visayas region.

Three of the Calabarzon players, all orthopedic kids, competed in the 50-meters free-style as the crowd wildy cheered at them.

Ariston Anselmo Unico, an amputee, emerged the winner at two minutes, 25.75 seconds. Leonardo Tamilan came in second with two minutes, 32.23 seconds, and Mark Joseph Canaveras, 12, was third with two minutes, 50.62 seconds.

The other eight players, all of them mentally-challenged, competed in pairs for the 50-meters free-style swim.

For event 4E boys, Rodelio Gaviola from Central Visayas, won over Jon Dale Abutin from Calabarzon. The Central Visayas native clocked at 42.66 seconds.

In event 4F girls, Queency Moberg from Central Visayas won at 59.73 seconds over Recca Christine Pabia.

For event 4G boys, Ray Jhan Madlansacay from Calabarzon defeated Willie Samuel Balderama at 42.46 seconds.

At event 4H girls, Sarah Librella from Calabarzon beat Aileen Laroza at 47.13 seconds.

For the 50-meter butterfly style, Queency Moberg finished at one minute, 34.49 seconds.

All the participants have received medals for their feats.