Suzanne Conquers The Strait

Suzanne Nicholson, a fifth-year UPEI student will swim across the Northumberland Strait this summer to raise funds for the UPEI swim team. This year marks Nicholson's last on the team and she hopes her fundraiser will motivate her teammates and the UPEI community to challenge themselves when setting goals.

Nicholson, a UPEI swim record-holder, is described by many as 'a true leader who has improved and matured significantly since joining the swim team in 2009.' She's known as a dedicated and motivated swimmer who is the first to cheer on teammates and other UPEI varsity sport athletes. Nicholson plans to conquer the Strait during the week of August 19-24 depending on the best day for tides, wind, and weather.

'My fundraising goal for the UPEI swim team is to raise $10,000, which the program needs in order to excel,' said Nicholson. 'I really hope others will feel motivated by my upcoming swim challenge and realize that they too can push boundaries.'

Nicholson has dedicated several months of training-50 km pool and open water swims each week, as well as biking and running-in preparation to swim the Strait. The swim itself is over 13 km and will take more than four hours.

'This is a huge goal for Suzanne,' said UPEI swim head coach Bill Calhoun. 'I'm very proud of her for taking this on. Training is going well and we're looking to bump up to 10km practices soon.'

'Suzanne is a perfect example of the commitment and pride Panther athletes are best known for,' said UPEI Athletics and Recreation director Bill Schurman. 'Taking on the challenge of swimming the Northumberland Strait to help her teammates and help grow Panther Swimming speaks volumes about her character.'

For more information on how you can support Nicholson, visit the event's Facebook page-'Suzanne Conquers The Strait,' or contact the UPEI Panther Central desk at (902) 566-0368 to make a donation.