PRESS RELEASE- 19th July 2010
British Polar Team Conquers House of Commons To Inspire British Pride
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All too often we hear that Britain has gone to the dogs and that the youth of today are disillusioned, disheartened and dispirited. A team of Polar explorers descended on the House of Commons today (19 July 2010) to turn these beliefs on their head with the launch of a new charity, the Best of British Foundation. Through the charity, this team of intrepid Britons is striving to revitalise and restore national confidence and pride. However, before they can inspire others, they need to achieve something so great that they position themselves as people who are truly qualified to lead and encourage excellence amongst the young, and the not so young! Already supported by the expedition's Patron Sir Ranulph Fiennes and Mark Lancaster TD MP, the team of four intrepid Britons will walk to the South Pole this December, in a bid to bring back the world record for the "fastest, unsupported, unassisted crossing from edge of continent to South Pole" to Britain and with it the necessary proof that with hard work and determination you can achieve your goals. The expedition aims to rewrite history and claim the record that should have rightfully been won by British explorer Captain Robert Falcon Scott back in 1912. Norwegian Roald Amundsen pipped Scott at the post and it is a Norwegian team who holds the current record of 24 days 8 hours 50 minutes. The Best of British team is confident they can break the record but they have not made the challenge easy on themselves as the route the team is taking is a massive test of endurance. Scott decided to tackle the Beardmore Glacier, which, at 130 miles long and 25 miles wide, is one of the most challenging glaciers in the world. In order to be true to their record attempt and to commemorate Scott's epic journey, the team has no choice but to climb its steep sides and traverse its perilous crevasse fields. |
The team is being led by extreme adventurer and North Pole veteran Manley Hopkinson who knows only to well the testing conditions the team will face. Commenting on the expedition he says: "Polar exploration requires team work, determination and discipline. These traits are at the heart of being British and I know we can draw on these to bring the record back home. "We recognise that in times of political change and challenges within the economy people look to inspiring activities to take strength for themselves. By retracing Scott's The Best of British Foundation aims to use the story of the team's endeavours at the South Pole to not only actively work with industry to build leadership and team work but also engage with local communities to encourage and train volunteers and within schools and young peoples groups to develop confidence, team work and commitment - in short to be the best they can. To find out more, visit www.bestofbritishsouthpole.com and www.bestofbritishfoundation.org.uk ENDS Tel: 01628 625900 Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Manley Hopkinson is available for interview. Images available on request. |