20th Annual Tower Climb draws record numbers,
raises more than $135,000
More than 1,100 people tackled the 802 steps of the Calgary Tower Saturday to raise record-breaking dollars and awareness for the Alberta Wilderness Association during its 20th annual Climb & Run for Wilderness fundraiser.
Conservation-minded couch potatoes and extreme athletes joined forces to raise more than $135,000 to promote awareness about wildlife, particularly the grizzly bear - an icon for the health of Alberta's wilderness, other wildlife and wild water. Last year, about $119,000 was raised.
"Our 20th anniversary was filled with meaningful opportunities to recognize the inextricable links between health and a healthy environment," said AWA executive director Christyann Olson.
"It's such a pleasure to celebrate Earth Day with so many outstanding athletes, volunteers, politicians and other supporters. We're thrilled with the individuals who travelled so far and our tried and true friends who came back for yet another wonderful year."
The six-hour event drew both individuals and more than 20 corporate teams including runners, walkers, climbers and even a competitor who was carried to the top in a wheelchair. Participants -- who ranged in age from infants toted on climbers' backs to 96 years - completing 1,938 ascents.
Along with the tower climb, many people also took part in the Run for Wilderness, a one-kilometre race through the city core to warm up for the stairwell. Twenty-two people also took part in a time trial race up the tower stairwell (160 metres or 525 feet) on Friday morning to launch Earth Weekend.
For the second year in a row, student Jonathan Heinz took home the prize as the fastest racer and climber with a time of seven minutes and 50 seconds. He also scaled the tower more times than anyone else -- 31 trips. The fastest female racer was Jane Ebbern, who finished in nine minutes and 25 seconds. Other awards went to different age groups and categories (see below).
"It's a good cause and a good challenge," said Calgarian Aryn Mything, who ran up and then back down the stairwell 12 times with friend Wendy James. "That's 20,852 stairs -- up and down," said James.
Business analyst Ken Myers travelled from Philadelphia to climb the tower 19 times. Why 19? "Because I didn't have time to do 20," said the athlete, who climbs buildings competitively and is training for an ultra-marathon in Germany in a year.
The AWA board of directors cut the ribbon on the start gate at 8:30 a.m. for the multiple climb challenge. Shell, the event's platinum sponsor, had five teams in the running. The prize for most climbs went to the team QuIC Mountain Goats, which collectively climbed the tower 70 times.
Entertainment throughout the day featured local performers and included everything from martial arts demonstrations to belly dancers to clowns, mascots and face-painters. More than 30 groups took part in the Wild Alberta Expo fair, with the Ranchlands Elementary School Tree Huggers winning the coveted Barbara Sherrington Memorial prize for the best overall exhibit.
OTHER AWARD WINNERS INCLUDED:
• Andrew Gillis (most climbs by males age 15-18)
• Gillian Taylor (most climbs by female age 15-18)
• Jared Gillis (most climbs by male youth 14 and under)
• Mahni Bruce (most climbs by female youth 14 an under)
• Val Schofield (most climbs by senior female, age 75 and older - seven)
• Bob McPherson (most climbs by senior male, age 75 and older - three)
The AWA is grateful to its many sponsors, 150 volunteers and the hundreds of supporters who made this event such a success. Please see our website for a complete list of winners and updates on funds raised.
More Information:
AWA executive director Christyann Olson
(403) 863-2412
Nigel Douglas, conservation specialist
(403) 283-2025
www.climbforwilderness.ca or www.AlbertaWilderness.ca
Writed: Susan Mate
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