COTR Golden campus receives special visitor

Adventurer Jamie McDonald hangs out with students at College of the Rockies’ Golden campus.

College of the Rockies’ Golden campus had a very special visitor on Thursday, January 9 when Jamie McDonald stopped in to speak to students.

McDonald, an adventurer from Gloucester, England, is running across Canada in an effort to raise money for children’s charities in his home country as well as children’s hospitals in Canada. While at the campus, Jamie spoke to Adventure Tourism Business Operations and Adult Basic Education students about his journey and encouraged them to not limit themselves and to follow their dreams.

College of the Rockies’ Golden campus manager, Karen Cathcart, says, “Jamie’s message falls in line with what we try to impart to our students, that they can achieve anything they put their minds to. It was great for our students to see first-hand what hard work and determination can lead to. Our Adventure Tourism Business Operations program, especially, embodies the passion for adventure and the outdoors that Jamie is displaying in his cross-country run.”

McDonald’s journey, which began in March, 2013 in St. John’s, Newfoundland, has not been an easy one. He has endured illness, sore muscles, bitter cold and even a mugging. However, having spent many years in and out of the hospital as a child due to a weakened immune system and a rare spinal condition called syringomyelia, raising funds for children’s hospitals and charities is a strong motivator to get past any adversities he encounters.

“We wish Jamie every success as he runs toward the finish line in Victoria, BC and thank him for sharing his inspirational and motivating story with our students,” Cathcart concludes.

To learn more about Jamie McDonald’s journey visit his Facebook page. Learn more about the Golden campus’ Adventure Tourism Business Operations program.