By Larry Read - TRU Atheltics

Olympic gold medalist guest speaker at TRU WolfPack scholarship breakfast

Jun 12, 2018 | 5:14 PM

KAMLOOPS — Olympic gold medalist Kelsey Serwa of Kelowna, BC will be the keynote at the annual Thompson Rivers University WolfPack scholarship breakfast this year. The September 27th breakfast will be held again at the TRU Grand Hall.    Serwa captured the gold medal in ski cross at this year’s games which were held in Pyeongchang, South Korea.  She also has captured silver in the same discipline at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.  Serwa captured the X Games gold medal in 2016.

“I feel very privileged to be able to share my story and experiences, “says the 28 year old Serwa, who has been an ambassador for KidSport BC for a number of years. “ I think I bring a great perspective on the subject of not only being a student athlete but the benefits of supporting those in this role.
 

When she is not competing in ski cross with Canada’s national team, Serwa is a student at the University of British Columbia Okanagan where she is currently concluding her second year of studies in Human Kinetics.

Serwa’s career in skiing has been filled with ups and downs.  “Prior to the 2014 games, I had two ACL reconstructions in one knee, and a broken back so was grateful to even compete at those games. I re-injured my knee in 2017, which required another surgery. I had to sit out on the majority of races last year but with the support of my family and teammates including 2018 silver medalist Brittany Phelan (Mont-Tremblant Quebec), I was able to make a strong and successful comeback. “

Serwa’s speech will also touch on the aspects of hard work and perseverance that all athletes-especially those student athletes face as they pursue their chosen sport and academics.   “Without financial support financially from the community, all student athletes would have a tough time reaching their goals.  They are trying to manage their studies, the challenges of practices, games and travel all while being great ambassadors for their team, their school and their community.”

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She is taking time away from her studies, as well as preparing for the World Championships to come to Kamloops to speak.

Says Athletics and Recreation Director Curtis Atkinson, “ We are thrilled to welcome Kelsey as this year’s breakfast speaker.  Kelsey has had a remarkable career-she is the premier ski cross athlete in the world, but getting to the top has not been easy. She is a true story of perseverance, resilience and overcoming adversity.  I am excited for our supporters and student-athletes to hear her story.”

He adds, “Outside of her significant athletic accomplishments, Kelsey came highly recommended as a wonderful person and role model. She is a world-class athlete, but stays well connected to local communities through several charitable initiatives. In fact, it was her tremendous work as a KidSport ambassador that connected us to her.”

2018 TRU WolfPack Scholarship breakfast is set for Thursday, September 27 th at the Grand Hall.  Doors open at 630 am with the buffet breakfast set for 6:45 am.  You can purchase tickets by logging onto https://www.tru.ca/athletics/community/breakfast.html

Previous speakers at this event have been NBA player Kelly Olynyk of the Miami Heat,  Olympic rower Will Dean, Vancouver Whitecaps President and GM Bob Lenarduzzi and the co-founder of the Respect Group, former NHL’er Sheldon Kennedy.