About Soldiers to the Summit
Photos from the 2010 Soldiers to the Summit Himalayan Expedition.
A team of soldiers struggles together to achieve an objective. Some doubt their own abilities but find inspiration in their peers. Many onlookers say it cannot be done—overcoming life-changing injuries to move across the varied terrain in the highest mountain range on the planet; the Himalayas. Some will choose to confront the steep and technically challenging snow and ice climb to the summit of Lobuche at 20,075 feet. For others, the gauntlet of rock strewn slopes leading to the summit of Kala Pattar at 18, 512 feet was the ultimate trial. Supporting the group was the same team of climbers that helped the only blind person to reach the summit of Everest. In October 2010, the impossible was possible.
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Among the many tragedies of war are the serious injuries inflicted upon our soldiers. When they return home, these heroes often have disabilities that may seem insurmountable. The goal of the Soldiers to the Summit Himalayan Expedition (SSHE) and World TEAM Sports was to demonstrate to everyone that great things can be achieved no matter how high the obstacles.
In spring of 2001, the most successful expedition in Everest history placed 19 climbers on the summit. Among them was Erik Weihenmayer, the only blind person to climb the highest mountain on all seven continents. This momentous achievement proved to be life changing for each of the team members. Indeed, many have returned to Everest; between them, they now have reached the summit 32 times. With the tenth anniversary of their historic expedition in 2011, the team wanted to give back in a meaningful way.
World T.E.A.M. Sports and the SSHE assembled a team of injured military men and women. After training sessions in Colorado, in the fall of 2010, the group set out for Nepal to conquer our two summits. The first was the technical rock, snow, and ice climb of Lobuche East. At 20,075 foot, Lobuche is a spectacular peak at the foot of Mount Everest. The second was Kala Pattar, a more moderate, 18,519 foot mountain overlooking Everest base camp.
With Erik and the Everest team, our injured soldiers had an adventure that few able-bodied people can imagine. It was a mental and physical challenge for everyone—and will undoubtedly was one of the greatest experiences of their lives.
http://worldteamsports.org/events/soldiers-to-the-summit/
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