Disabled Athletes to Climb Three Classic U.S. Peaks
Paradox Sports is partnering with Mammut to promote the vision of open mountain access for all.
Get access to everything we publish when you sign up for Outside+.
Disabled Athletes to Climb Three Classic U.S. Peaks as part of the Biggest Peak Project in History
Biggest Peak Project in History to Promote Access for All
Shelburne, VT (September 7th, 2011)–Paradox Sports, acommunity 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 theirdreams 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 valued 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.
The 150 Peaks Project would not be possible without generous support from Crested Butte Mountain Guides (www.crestedbutteguides.com), Hilleberg Tents (www.hilleberg.com), and San Juan Mountain Guides LLC (www.ourayclimbing.com).
About the Companies:
Mammut Sports Group: Based in Seon, Switzerland, and with U.S. Headquarters in Shelburne, Vermont, Mammut is a leading manufacturer of all-season alpine gear, apparel, and footwear. For more information contact GribbinLoring at 800.451.5127 ext. 113, or log on to: www.mammut.com. For media inquiries, contact Timmy Dow at 617.875.5553 or timmy@momentummediapr.com.
About Paradox Sports:Paradox Sports provides inspiration, opportunities andadaptive equipment to the disabled community, empowering their pursuit of a life of excellence through human-powered outdoor sports. For media inquiries, please contact info@paradoxsports.org.
About The Access Fund:The Access Fund is the national advocacy organization thatkeeps U.S. climbing areas open and conserves the climbing environment. For general information, please call Zachary Lesch-Huie, Affiliate Director, at 303.545.6772 or via email at zachary@accessfund.org.
About Mountain Gear: Based in Spokane, Washington, Mountain Gear is a 25 year old leader in outdoor retailing as well as a valued online retail partner for Mammut. For more information, reach them at info@mountaingear.com or 800.829.2009