Deaf People Conquer North Pole

 
Cold times for a warm plan; © SXC

This winter schools can take part in polar-themed fun days to celebrate a record-breaking expedition that will see the first deaf people reach the Geographic North Pole.

This trek will take place in April 2008 to raise vital funds for NDCS for deaf children and young people.

Schools will receive a Polar Pack which includes a huge range of fundraising ideas for teachers to use. Students can compete in the exciting Design a Flag Competition which will see the winner’s flag placed at the North Pole, or organise a Polar-themed Day and Fitness Challenge. Learning about the NDCS North Pole Expedition will inspire and broaden the horizons of both deaf and hearing children and help them realise that anything is possible. All funds raised by schools will be spent on activities and holiday programme for young deaf children.

During the NDCS North Pole Expedition, the group of six hearing and deaf people will cover 70 miles of the most hostile wilderness on earth. The unique Arctic expedition aims to make a surface crossing of the Arctic Ocean between latitude 89N and the Geographic North Pole at 90N known as ‘The Last Degree’. The team will travel on skis, across drifting sea ice, whilst towing 40 Kg of equipment and supplies. As they experience one of the toughest physical and mental tests of endurance in the world, the team will have to work together to overcome communication barriers and achieve their goal. To take part, each participant is raising a minimum of £27,000 to help change the lives of deaf children in the UK.

Carl Morris is one of the deaf participants. He was diagnosed as profoundly deaf at age two and his family turned to NDCS for help. He said: “Being deaf myself, I know what it's like to be a deaf child worrying about what the future holds. By trekking to the North Pole I will prove what deaf people can achieve, and show that it is possible to overcome any barriers they might face.”

REHACARE.de; Source: NDCS

- More on the project at: www.ndcschallenges.org.uk/northpole

( Source: REHACARE.de )