KVCC

Long-distance swimmer and former sports broadcaster Diana Nyad will share her inspirational story on May 16 during the Kalamazoo Valley Community College Foundation’s Annual Opportunities for Education Dinner. The event, which is the main scholarship fund-raising effort for the Foundation, begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Radisson Hotel and Suites in downtown Kalamazoo.

Nyad has been breaking world records in swimming since the 1970’s. Her swimming achievements, such as circling Manhattan and crossing the 102.5 miles between the Bahamas and Florida, have led to inductions into many halls of fame, such as the International Women’s Sports Hall of Fame.

In September 2011, Nyad made a valiant attempt to swim the 103 miles between Cuba and Florida without a shark cage. Millions of fans followed on Twitter and Facebook as she lived out the message of living life large and chasing dreams, no matter what age. This first attempt ended after 41 hours, eventually compromised by the physical effects of Box Jellyfish stings.

Nyad tried again in August 2012 to swim between Cuba and Florida. She called this effort Xtreme Dream and she persevered for 51 hours and five minutes, eventually stopping due to Box Jellyfish stings and life-threatening lightning storms. It is a safe bet that she just won’t quit on this Xtreme Dream until she at last walks up onto that Florida shore.

Nyad has a reputation as a uniquely passionate and entertaining public speaker. Her story of courage and unwavering commitment continues to inspire. Tickets to the Opportunities for Education dinner are $75 for students; $125 general seating; $250 for preferred seating; and $1,500 for a corporate table that seats eight.

Purchase your tickets now!