AUSTIN BOY SCOUTS CLIMB IN SUPPORT OF TEAM EVEREST ‘03
Unique Disability Team Heading to Mount Everest in 2003
AUSTIN, TEXAS May 28, 2002
Backpacking through the pristine mountain wilderness of New Mexico,
a group of Austin teens saw an opportunity to use their experience
to promote the capabilities of people with disabilities. The boys,
part of a larger group from the Capital Area Council of the Boy
Scouts of America trekking at the Philmont Scout Ranch, climbed
to the summit of the highest mountain in the area while carrying
the Team Everest ’03 banner. Four of the nine scouts summitting
Mt. Phillips have disabilities that require daily medication or
regular monitoring. Only a few years back, those disabilities would
have prevented the boys from joining a strenuous wilderness trip.
Team Everest ‘03 spotlights the potential of people with
disabilities and is led by Austin mountaineer Gary Guller, a climber
with only one arm. The event is promoting 50 years of progress in
improving the lives of those with disabilities while paralleling
the 50th anniversary of the first summit of Everest. Guller will
lead this unique team of individuals with diverse disabilities on
the three-week Challenge Trek to Mt. Everest Base Camp at 17,500
ft. before himself attempting the 29,035 ft. summit.
“Carrying the banner to the top of Mt. Phillips made us
feel part of something special, by helping the world know that a
disability shouldn’t get in the way of your goals,”
said scout Barrett Black. Also making the climb were Andre Dahman,
Austin Atherton, Austin Friestman, David Bukstein, Sol Richey, Michael
Borel, Wes Wright and Eric Garrison.
“Disability is a natural part of life. Just as the boys
enriched the Mt. Phillips ascent, so should all aspects of society
welcome the full participation of people with disabilities,”
said Dennis Borel, executive director of the Coalition of Texans
with Disabilities (CTD) and organizer of the Team Everest ’03
expedition.
“Team Everest ’03 has a powerful message; it models
how society can open the door of opportunity to all people, regardless
of their ability or disability,” says expedition leader Guller,
“Several of our Challenge Trek members have severe disabilities
and they will shatter the stereotypes of what can be accomplished.”
CTD is continuing to accept applications from people with disabilities
for the Challenge Trek. For more information about the Team Everest
’03 Challenge Trek, the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities
or Gary Guller, please contact Dennis Borel at (512) 478-3366. A
photo of the Boy Scouts at the peak of Mt. Phillips is available.
Press Contact:
Dennis Borel
Project Director
(512) 478-3366
info@teameverest03.org
www.teameverest03.org
|
