Adventurers are being encouraged to turn their dreams into reality by applying for grants under the Hillary Expeditions initiative run by Sport and Recreation New Zealand (SPARC).
Chief executive Peter Miskimmin said today adventurous Kiwis planning challenging outdoor expeditions could now apply for funding. Up to $100,000 is available through Hillary Expedition Grants, which are made available every two years.
"New Zealand is known as a nation of great adventurers, like Sir Edmund Hillary, whose name is honoured by this initiative. Our Kiwi adventurers have a pioneering spirit like no other. They inspire other New Zealanders with their extraordinary feats. This is an opportunity for Kiwis who have always nurtured a desire to achieve something special in the great outdoors to make it happen," Miskimmin said.
Expeditions funded in the past have involved extreme adventures and have included world firsts. For instance, Hillary Expeditions have included attempts at crossing the Greenland ice cap, a successful first ascent of Karim Sar in the Batura region of northern Pakistan, success while big wall rock climbing in the Karakorum ranges of Pakistan, new routes on peaks in Antarctica, extreme river trips, and this year's discovery and exploration of New Zealand's first 1000m deep cave.
Miskimmin said outdoor adventurers pushed themselves beyond their limits in extreme environments to achieve their goals.
"It takes a great deal of organisation, courage, determination and physical endurance to achieve these world firsts in the outdoors. New Zealand adventurers are role models for other Kiwis so I encourage those with big dreams to apply."
To qualify for a grant, expeditions have to include any one, or a combination, of outdoor activities such as tramping, mountaineering, rock climbing, cross-country skiing, white water and/or sea kayaking, mountain biking, and sailing.
Criteria and application forms are available on SPARC's website at www.sparc.org.nz/en-nz/recreation/Hillary-Expedition/
Applications close 15 October 2010 and successful applicants will be announced in December 2010.
