Disabled Athletes to Climb Three Classic U.S. Peaks
Paradox Sports, a community of disabled athletes empowering the pursuit of a life of excellence through human-powered outdoor sports, is partnering with Mammut, The Access Fund, and Mountain Gear to promote the vision of open mountain access for all.
Beginning September 16th, Paradox athletes will climb three of the most classic and coveted peaks in the US – Washington’s Mt. Baker and Utah’s Castleton Tower in September 2011 and New Hampshire’s Mt. Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast, in March 2012.
Athletes from Paradox Sports will share their vision of a future where everyone is able to pursue their dreams because they have the opportunities, support and the adaptive equipment available to do so.
To celebrate the spirit of overcoming obstacles, the teams will challenge themselves in conditions from sandstone to mixed snow and ice.
In partnership with the Access Fund, the national advocacy organization that keeps U.S. climbing areas open, and Mountain Gear, a retail partner for Mammut, the Paradox Sports athletes will climb alongside a team of International Federation of Mountain Guides/American Mountain Guides Association guides to reach the summit and expand the concepts of possibility and achievement while inspiring others.
The project is part of a global effort by the Swiss outdoor gear and apparel manufacturer Mammut Sports Group, commemorating its 150th anniversary by encouraging 150 teams to climb 150 mountains in the next twelve months.
In keeping with the spirit of “Access for All,” Paradox athlete Chad Butrick of Arvada, Colorado will ascend Mt. Baker, Pete Davis of Ridgway, Colorado and Sean O’Neill of Brownfield, Maine will look to knock off Castleton Tower, and Mike Reddy from New Haven, Connecticut and Maureen Whalley of Stowe, Vermont will tackle Mt Washington.
Mammut’s “Biggest Peak Project in History” includes the three climbs in the United States, as well as 47 country organized climbs around the globe.
In addition, 100 “Summit Tours” will be awarded through an online community campaign (www.mammut.ch/150years) with the winners being sent to climb a project peak with a guide and team of friends.
