ID :
410578
Sat, 06/25/2016 - 18:10
Auther :

Sheikh Mohammed Al Thani Becomes First Qatari to Conquer Worlds Seven Summits

Doha, June 25 (QNA) - Reach Out to Asias (ROTAs) Goodwill Ambassador, HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Thani has successfully climbed the worlds top seven summits, becoming the first Qatari to achieve this incredible feat. HE Sheikh Mohammed, a renowned mountaineer and adventurer, became one of just 350 mountaineers in the world to conquer the Seven Summits when he successfully reached the peak of Denali in Alaska, North America earlier this month. Sheikh Mohammed started his Alaskan adventure in May 2016, reaching the summit of Denali on 3rd June, where he proudly raised the Qatari flag. The Denali Summit, which is 6,190m above sea level, proved to be one of the most challenging climbs Sheikh Mohammed has undertaken in his mountaineering career. His 28-day trip was hampered by extremely bad weather conditions that saw him exposed to storms and wind-speeds of 80 km per-hour. His success in the final stage of the Seven Summits climb would not have been possible without his patience, strong will and determination. Sheikh Mohammed began the final leg of his incredible journey by traveling to the UAE and on to Seattle in the US. He then flew to Anchorage in Alaska before taking a four-hour bus trip to Talkeetna city, which is considered the closest town to Denali and the last stop before reaching the climbing camp on board a private jet. Climbing the Seven Summits is regarded as a particularly tough challenge for even the most experienced mountaineers. It involves reaching the tops of mountains that include Mount Everest in Asia, the peak of which is 8,848m above sea level; Mount Aconcagua in South America, which rises 6,962m above sea level; Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa (5,895m); Mount Elbrus in Europe (5,642m); Vinson Massif in Antarctica (4,897m); and Mount Kosciusko in Australia (2,228m). "I am extremely proud of having successfully hoisted the Qatari flag on the tallest peaks of each of the worlds seven continents. It is the culmination of a tiring schedule of thousands of hours of training and hard work. Like other adventurers taking on demanding challenges, I have encountered several risks and difficulties, but success in reaching these peaks has made all the effort worthwhile," said Sheikh Mohammed. "I believe we must set our targets high and dedicate ourselves to pursuing them despite all obstacles, because beautiful and great things in one's life do not come easily. With effort, persistence and commitment, what was impossible yesterday becomes possible today. I am extremely happy with this achievement which I dedicate to Qatar and to my adventurer friends everywhere," he added. Acting Executive Director, ROTA, Mohammed Al-Naama congratulated Sheikh Mohammed on his achievement, saying: "We, at ROTA, are proud of Sheikh Mohammeds accomplishments. He has elevated ROTA to new heights and promoted our mission and vision by proving that everyone has the opportunity to make a difference within their community, both on a small and global scale." "This achievement can never be forgotten, since Sheikh Mohammed, in his capacity as ROTAs Goodwill Ambassador, has conveyed a message to the world that All people have a right to education, today, tomorrow and forever," Al-Naama added. As a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), ROTA contributes greatly towards QFs mission to unlock human potential. ROTA aims to achieve this through enhancing skill development, using its sport-based educational programmes as a tool for the rehabilitation of children and youth who suffer through wars, political disturbances and natural disasters. Sheikh Mohammed began his journey of climbing the world's tallest peaks on 27th October 2009, when he arrived with a group of friends to Everest Base Camp (5,364m), where adventurers from across the world gather before undertaking the Seven Summits challenge. Sheikh Mohammed succeeded in raising the Qatari flag on Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest summit in the African continent, on 25th October 2010. He followed this first success with the scaling of Mount Vinson, the tallest mountain in Antarctica, reaching its peak on 25th December 2011. On 28th August 2012, Sheikh Mohammed reached the peak of Mount Elbrus, the highest point in Europe; and on 11th October 2012, he conquered Mount Kosciuszko, Australia. On 5th January 2013, he reached the summit of Mount Aconcagua, South America, the tallest peak in the western hemisphere. Sheikh Mohammeds penultimate success was the scaling of Mount Everest on 22nd May 2013, before completing the challenge on the summit of Mount Denali, Alaska, on 3rd June. To reach the highest points on the worlds seven continents, Sheikh Mohammed travelled to Tanzania, Australia, Nepal, Russia, the United States, Argentina and Antarctica. During his adventures he was exposed to numerous challenges, with harsh weather conditions a particular feature. Temperatures during his exploits regularly dropped below -30 degrees Fahrenheit. As ROTAs Goodwill Ambassador, Sheikh Mohammed has contributed to the organisations projects in several countries including an educational project in Nepal, where he succeeded with a group of young Qataris in climbing Africas Mount Kilimanjaro. He has also secured QR 1.5 million in donations to rebuild Palestinian schools, specifically in the Gaza Strip in addition to dedicating time to the presentation of academic and cultural lectures. He recently gave a lecture at Qatar Academy on how to achieve success through self-accomplishments. His lecture also touched on charitable work and the spirit of volunteerism. (END)

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