On Sunday 15 November, Sport Gisborne Tairāwhiti hosted the closing ceremony for the Titirangi Mt. Everest Challenge 2020.
Participants met by Te Poho-o-Rawiri marae for a final group walk to the summit to celebrate everyone’s individual and team achievements. It was a beautiful evening with live music, spot prizes and participants sharing their stories of what the journey meant to them, complimented with a sunset.
2083 registered participants with 199 teams took part in the challenge this year and collectively climbed Titirangi 20502 times.
The challenge is to climb Titirangi 68 times in 7 weeks which is the equivalent to climbing Mt. Everest. The challenge means more than just the number of climbs, it’s a chance for everyone to get outside, get active, socialise and achieve their own personal goals. Whether its 1 climb or 200, it’s helped someone get one step closer to their goal.
Sport Gisborne Tairāwhiti Events Advisor Debbie Hutchings said ‘to see such a large number of our community being active is the real success of this event. By reducing barriers such as cost, set times and access, people of all ages, stages, ethnicity and fitness levels are participating. What they may set out to do at the beginning for many turns into something they never thought they could or would do. The people they meet, the friendships made and the excitement of reaching or surpassing their own goals is so rewarding.’
The annual event helps to raise money for the East Coast Cancer Society to support locals living with bowel cancer.
With the help of sponsors, Sean and Fiona Shivnan, the East Coast Cancer Society, PAK’nSAVE, the Gisborne District Council and ProTraffic, as well as local champions such as Huringa Pai, the event was able to raise awareness and funds for a worthy cause.