Summit Team

Chris Watkins Age: 43 Nationality: Canadian Home Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario Occupation: Barrister, Solicitor

Chris spent his youth involved in alpine sports. Injured in a serious auto accident in the late 1980s, he spent a year in and out of hospital recovering from significant hip, back, shoulder and head trauma. In the 1990s, Chris returned to alpine sports and serious nonprofessional mountaineering and ice and rock climbing. He has climbed extensively in his home Northwestern mountains, as well as the Canadian Rockies, Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa and on Mt. Elbrus in Russia. All of his climbs have been charitable, raising money for children with illness or disability. He has been recognized by both the government and his city as a "Citizen of Achievement".

Chris is committed to Gary Guller and his quest to bring recognition, hope, equality and accessibility for people with challenges large and small. With relatives in Texas and Massachusetts, Chris feels a personal connection and brings international support for the great goals of the entire Everest '03 team.