News

AC student Kimana Mar wins gold at 2023 Special Olympics World Summer Games  

Just 23 years old, Algonquin College student Kimana Mar recently represented Canada at the 2023 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Berlin. From June 17 to June 25, Mar joined a staggering 7,000 athletes, 3,000 coaches and 20,000 volunteers to take part in the experience of a lifetime.

As a rhythmic gymnast, Mar has spent over a decade honing her craft — last month’s summer games served as an opportunity to showcase her years of hard work and dedication.

Mar achieved outstanding success at the Games, winning five gold medals and one silver medal in the top division: one individual gold for level 4 ball; one individual gold for level 4 clubs; one individual gold for level 4 ribbon; one individual silver for level 4 rope; one individual gold for all around level 4 gymnast; and one team gold for group floor.

Kimana Mar holds up her hands in celebration at the Special Olympic World Summer Games in Berlin. Mar wears a red, Team Canada jacket, her medals and a smile.

Source: Special Olympic Canada

Her success at the Games is a testament to her hours of hard work. In any given week Mar is dedicating five to six days toward gymnastics, fitness, ballet, and mental skills training all while juggling a rigorous academic schedule.

“I am very proud to have won these medals for Canada and that all my hard work leading up to the games paid off. It was incredible to feel the emotions and excitement of representing Canada and meeting athletes from around the world,” said Mar. “The team gold medal that the Canadian rhythmic gymnastics team won for the group floor routine means a lot to me because we came from across Canada, bonded as friends, and did it together. It feels amazing.”

Congratulations, Kimana! Algonquin College is proud to be a part of your incredible journey.

Algonquin College public relations students engaged on AC’s Ottawa Campus

Jeremy Coorsh and Fabiana (Faby) Ferraresso met in Algonquin College’s Public Relations program a little over two years ago — both coming to the program as mature students eager to take on a new challenge and opportunity. But they couldn’t even begin to imagine the lifelong opportunity that awaited them.

A year of friendship and multiple group projects later, Coorsh and Ferraresso’s relationship bloomed into a beautiful romance which led Coorsh to take a big leap — at the last class of their program, after a long day of presentations, Coorsh marked the occasion with a heartfelt proposal.

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AC learners take centre stage at Canadian Culinary Championship  

Feb. 3 marks the start of the Canadian Culinary Competition, a two-day competition which will take place in Ottawa and feature nine of Canada’s brightest culinary minds. The event is divided into three separate competitions with one winner crowned at the cumulative grand finale event on Saturday, Feb. 4.

The first competition will be a Mystery Wine Pairing which will take place at the Shaw Centre — chefs will be given a mystery bottle of wine and challenged to create a dish with local ingredients that best complement the beverage.

Algonquin College will be the proud host of the second competition on Saturday, Feb. 4. The Black Box challenge will take place from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the College’s state-of-the-art culinary facilities. The challenge will require the chefs to prepare two dishes in one hour using a box of mystery ingredients. Delicious nibbles will be prepared by Algonquin College’s culinary learners, using local ingredients, for onlookers to enjoy while they soak in this Iron Chef-type experience.

AC learners will be hard at work during the third and final competition at the Shaw Centre as well where teams of five will be assigned to each competing chef for culinary support.

This competition is an opportunity for budding chefs to learn from some of the best in the business and create meaningful relationships that will promote their success in the industry post-graduation. Student volunteers were chosen for their academic vigor and culinary abilities within all levels of the College’s culinary program.

Learners from Algonquin College’s Broadcasting – Television program will be onsite as well — a team of 18 students will put their audio and video skills to the test, broadcasting the Canadian Culinary Championship for viewers at home.

You won’t want to miss this opportunity to support Algonquin College learners and enjoy delicious fare prepared by the nation’s foremost culinary professionals. Learn more about the weekend’s events and buy your tickets today by visiting this link.