Amazing Race Canada host guest speaker at Niagara College convocation

To the graduates in the Class of 2021-22 at Niagara College, Jon Montgomery is best-known as the host of Amazing Race Canada, a position he’s had since 2013.

To a larger portion of Canada old enough to remember, he’s the gold-medal-winning men’s skeleton racer at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver who famously walked through Olympic Village on-camera drinking the larger part of a pitcher of beer handed to him by a fan.

It was the most quintessential Canadian moment ever. Since then, Montgomery has said, “If the beer is all I’m ever remembered for, I consider myself the luckiest fella on Earth.”

Regardless of which Jon Montgomery people remember, he will be the guest speaker at Niagara College’s upcoming Spring Convocation Ceremonies from June 20 to 24.

He will deliver his speech via video at all eight ceremonies before graduates and guests who are attending in-person at the Welland Campus or viewing their ceremony virtually.

In a video message to the graduates, Montgomery said, “I’m thrilled to announce that this spring I’ll be addressing the Class of 2022 via video message as part of your convocation ceremonies. Join in the celebrations June 20 to June 24 as we honour your hard work and accomplishments.”

The former athlete will receive an Honorary diploma in Fitness and Health “in recognition of his excellence in Canadian adventure sport, and for his dedication to inspiring others to achieve their dreams,” said the college.

The Class of 2022 will be the first to have an opportunity to attend convocation in-person since 2019, after two years of all-virtual convocation ceremonies at the College.

“Convocation is the highlight of the academic year and we are thrilled to welcome our Class of 2022 and their supporters to celebrate this special milestone with the return of in-person ceremonies,” said said college president Sean Kennedy.

“By tapping into the technology and innovation that has kept us connected over the last two years, we’re looking forward to welcoming our inspirational guest speaker Jon Montgomery via video, and we’re making it possible for every graduate and allof their loved ones to participate in convocation no matter where they are – in Niagara, across Canada or around the world.”

Graduates who opt to watch via the virtual livestream will have the opportunity to connect to the in-person ceremony by using the hashtag #NCGrad2022 in their social media posts.