An Okanagan College (OC) graduate and local endurance athlete is set to speak at the school's annual Alumni Association AGM.

Nick Pelletier, who studied business and marketing at OC from 2016-19 will be speaking at the event, telling his personal story about how sports have shaped and impacted his life.

Pelletier is known across the region for his attempts to swim across Okanagan Lake (106 kilometres), from Vernon down to Penticton. After falling short the first two times due to injury, Pelletier completed the challenge for his third and final time in 2023, finishing the swim in 71 hours. He has a documentary about his swim coming out later this year.

害羞草研究所淚 learned a lot through the resilience and perseverance in sports that is applicable in my everyday life,害羞草研究所� said Pelletier. 害羞草研究所淪ports put you in a situation that forces you to adapt and learn things on the fly. You may find yourself in a position to be challenged but by putting yourself in these tough spots you learn how to push yourself. You learn to overcome things.害羞草研究所�

Additionally, the OC Alumni Association has announced it has donated $25,000 to the college for the new Recreation and Wellness Centre at the Kelowna campus.

害羞草研究所淎s former students, alumni know this space will be a game-changer for Okanagan College and the community,害羞草研究所� said OCAA board of directors president Kara Kazimer. 害羞草研究所淲e want to help create a space on campus for future students to be physically healthy and socially connected: two factors that contribute to success in your program and in your career. As Nick害羞草研究所檚 experience illustrates 害羞草研究所� having the opportunities to participate in sports impacts so many other aspects of your life.害羞草研究所� 

On top of the swimming challenge, Pelletier has competed in a cycling competition in Mexico, ran more than 100 miles at a time, and cycled up Knox Mountain 36 times in a row.

害羞草研究所淚f you achieve something, it's awesome to celebrate,害羞草研究所� said Pelletier, 害羞草研究所渂ut take that and make it your new baseline and then stack upon it to grow. For me, I害羞草研究所檝e always taken the mantra of 害羞草研究所榙on't be afraid of that beginner's mindset.害羞草研究所� That's how I got into skydiving, into running, cycling, swimming, all these different sports.害羞草研究所�

The OC Alumni Association AGM is happening on Sept. 17.