Former President George W. Bush called a group of disabled veteran athletes today to provide encouragement and wish them well as they begin training in the Front Range region of the Rocky Mountains this weekend for an extreme mountain climbing challenge that takes place in October. Known as “Soldiers to the Summit,” World T.E.A.M. Sports organized the expedition of 12 wounded combat veterans from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq who will attempt to summit the 20,075 foot peak of Lobuche East, located just 8.7 miles from Mount Everest in the Himalayas, to evidence that people with disabilities can overcome any challenge. Erik Weihenmeyer, who is celebrating the tenth anniversary of becoming the only blind person to summit Mount Everest, will lead the team. Supporting them are many of the same team of climbers that helped Erik reach the summit of Everest ten years ago.
President Bush’s call came as the team, comprised of three women and nine men, gathered in Golden, Colorado before going into the Rocky Mountains. The former President spoke individually with each of the eight veterans who were present. Among the personal discussions, President Bush and former Airman Zachary Martinez shared some memories of their time at Moody Air Force Base in Georgia, where both had served. In addition, the President shared some memories with Erik and members of the Everest team, who he had hosted in the White House after their historic climb in 2001.
Aware that all of the veterans have suffered serious injuries, President Bush told the team that he was “really proud you’re setting an example” for others with disabilities and that he will “support you with my thoughts and prayers.” President Bush said he would follow the team’s climb on the web, and he asked them to call with a report as soon as they are back home.
“Activities like the Himalayan Expedition prove that exceptional athletes do matter and that people of all abilities can do even the most difficult tasks, not just in sports but in all walks of life,” said Jeff Messner, President of World T.E.A.M. Sports. “By bringing together disabled and able-bodied athletes in difficult challenges that require teamwork and rely on an understanding of one another’s competence, we hope to educate all people about the capabilities of those with a physical handicap.“
On October 1st, the team will depart for Nepal where they will attempt to summit the peaks of Lobuche East and Kala Pattar mountains in the Himalayas. This extraordinary challenge includes seven days of trekking through the spectacular Khumbu region to a Base Camp at 16,269 feet. After a day of rest, the team will then climb slabby terraces and snow slopes beneath the main glaciers of the South-West Face of Lobuche East. At the point where the glacier face and ridge meet, they will establish a high camp at 18,305 feet. On the 13th day of this difficult trek, the team will then attempt to summit the 20,075 foot peak of Lobuche East. This is a technical rock, snow, and ice climb of great difficulty. Thereafter, the team will spend as many as six days working their way back down and return to Kathmandu. More information about the expedition, the participating veterans and support team, as well as how to donate to this cause can be found at www.soldierstothesummit.org.
(Source: Press Release)
