World Record Holders Come to the Great Smoky Mountains
Smoky Mountain Outdoors and Sunset Cottages are bringing two world class mountaineers to Gatlinburg, TN. Summitfest 2008 will kick off a week of outdoor adventure.
Gatlinburg, TN (Smoky Mountain Outdoors) April 15, 2008 – Apa and Lahkpa Sherpa, two of the most respected climbers on Mount Everest will be at Smoky Mountain Outdoors in Gatlinburg, TN. Apa is the only man on earth to have reached the summit of Mount Everest 17 times, Lahkpa has been to the top of the world in under 11 hours. They will be bringing their message of humility, dedication and community along with a multi-media presentation of their accomplishments on the worlds highest mountain on June 7th 2008.
Summiting Everest was never a goal for Apa Sherpa. At 12 years of age, he first began working as an expedition porter to earn money following the untimely death of his father. Leaders and trekkers alike immediately noticed the child who, despite his exceedingly small stature, carried loads greater than his own weight with strength, quickness and a wide smile.
When Lhakpa Gelu Sherpa set out to set an Everest speed ascent record, little did anyone know he would not only break the late Babu Chirri Sherpa’s Everest speed ascent record of 16 hrs 56, but shatter it altogether with a time of 10 hrs 56 min and 46 sec – 6 hours faster than Babu Sherpa`s seemingly unbeatable record.
Apa and Lhakpa are notable because of their world records but it is their message that makes this event so special.
“It was an amazing experience to have Apa and Lhakpa, who are the worlds two best mountaineers come to our event and share their stories of hard work, determination and their culture as Sherpas. The one thing that I will never forget about the time they spent with us, is no matter how hard I might think that life is, there is always a way to climb over the hard times and back to the good times. I feel very honored to have had the chance to meet such great men.”
Thanks,
Travis Gillespie
In addition to the Sherpas, Summitfest will include music, food, beverages, equipment demonstrations by top manufactures, a silent auction and special discounts in the outfitters store. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the children of Nepal.
For more information on Summitfest you can visit http://www.summitfest2008.com
Smoky Mountain Outdoors has been in business for over 13 years and offers Rafting, Hiking and Horseback Riding trips in and around the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Sunset Cottages offers cabin rentals in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge TN with over 250 properties to choose from.
Contact:
Danny Stewart Marketing Director Smoky Mountain Outdoors 865.430.3838
Steve Willams CEO Smoky Mountain Outdoors
865.430.3838
http://www.smokymountainrafting.com
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