OCCC’s benefits go beyond outside of the classroom.

While students attend the college to better their education, opportunities also are given elsewhere, such as the Aquatic Center.

The Aquatic Center has water safety classes that include lifeguard training and water safety instruction for those interested in possible careers within the field, said James Hensley, Aquatic and Safety Training Specialist.

With the start of the new school year comes the beginning of the fall sports schedule at OCCC.

Students will have a chance to compete in numerous intramural sports this fall semester to take a break from the grind of class and the monotony of studying, said Eric Watson, Sports and Recreation specialist.

Registration for the five different intramural leagues will open Aug. 23.

James Hensley, Aquatic and Safety Training specialist, had passionate words of advice for all those willing to participate and prepare for the annual Age Group Championship Swim Meet held July 30 and Aug. 1 in the Aquatic Center.

“The key to winning this event is simple, listen to your coaches and do what they ask you to do with all of your might,” Hensley said.

In the competition, he said, children of all ages will compete against each other in their own age groups to ensure fair play and equal opportunity.

Students and community members can become certified lifesavers when CPR for the Health Care Provider opens its medical class doors for anyone interested 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. July 23, in the hall near the Aquatics Center, said Learn to Swim Program Assistant Tre Kramer.

Participants in the one-day session will be instructed about rescue breathing and creating unobstructed airways for conscious and unconscious adults, children, and infants according to the Aquatic Center website.

Throughout the month of July, students, non-students, faculty and staff now have various opportunities to increase their health and strength through a series of Wellness Center class sessions throughout areas of the Wellness Center.

Designated rooms on campus are offering Boot Camp, Pilates, Zumba, Spinning and Combo Aerobics through July 28.

OCCC students, faculty and staff are being encouraged by the Wellness Taskforce to embrace the challenge of competing in the Tour de Route 66 Wellness Competition in celebration of the Tour de France.

Tour de Route 66, an event to promote a healthier campus, is July 3 through Aug. 13.

Participants may sign up through July 2. Registration, free of charge, can be completed by sending an e-mail to tourwithme@occc.edu.

Throughout June and July, OCCC is offering swimming lessons to students and other individuals from 18 months to adults. The cost is $30 per person.

The lessons will consist of seven divisions based on the skill of the swimmer: Parent/Tot, Preschool, School Age Beginners, Advanced Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced and Adult.

According to the Recreation and Fitness website, a participant can be placed in a specific class level after careful review.

Christian Ballad, a Norman man, claimed victory June 12 when he placed first in the OCCC SuperSprint Triathlon.

Ballad completed the 500-meter swim, 14-mile bike ride and 5k run in 58 minutes and four seconds.

The international tradition, known as the World Cup soccer, is set to kick off June 11 in South Africa.

This will be the first year the Fédération Internationale de Football Association World Cup has been hosted by an African nation.

On campus, many international students feel the pride of their country and excitement in preparation for the games, which favor Brazil and Spain.

According to a 2008 study, students from as many as 58 countries attend OCCC.

{jcomments on}Demerye Paulin
Staff Writer

Recreation and Fitness Program will host the OCCC SuperSprint Triathlon, Saturday, June 12, at the college beginning at 7 a.m.

This one-day event will consist of a 500-meter swim, 14-mile bike, and 5 kilometer run.

The 500-meter swim will take place in the Aquatic Center, the 14-mile bike run will be a complete 4-mile loop around the entire campus, and the 5-kilometer run will begin in faculty circle equaling two loops around campus.

Hensley said he was confident that each participant would benefit in the weekend event.