After more than 60 years, students at Okanagan College in Kelowna will be able to exercise on campus.
On June 20, donors, community leaders and members gathered at Okanagan College’s Kelowna campus to hear the announcement that construction will begin on the Recreation and Wellness Centre.
The facility will be used by students, staff and university athletes, as well as for gatherings and other events.
“I think about all that sport has given me,” Okanagan College president Neil Fassina said.
He said throughout his school years he relied heavily on camps, gyms and sports to build community, make friends and develop tenacity.
“You want to know where my grit comes from? My tenacity? Where does my determination come from?”
“Sports,” Fassina says, “gave me all of my values.”
Fassina said he wants to give students the opportunity to find their own courage.
The building will be built next to the learning centre Artium, where a car park is currently located.
Lois and Cliff Serwa have been strong supporters of the project for many years.
To make the gym’s construction a reality, the Selwas donated $1 million to the university, and they plan to match all future donations up to $500,000 to ensure the project goes ahead smoothly.
Having already raised $10 million in funding, the university hopes to raise an additional $4 million to complete the project with state-of-the-art facilities for future generations to enjoy.
For more information or to donate, visit okanagan.bc.ca/oc-foundation/recreation-and-wellness-centre
