The Challenge 8000 team recently paid a courtesy visit to President George Abela at the Palace, Valletta.
The Challenge 8000 team comprises three Maltese men who will attempt to climb to the summit of Mount Everest in March 2010. In preparation for Everest, the team will climb Cho Oyu, the world's sixth highest mountain, in September this year.
The President had words of encouragement for the team and pledged support for the project. He said Challenge 8000 is a laudable venture and hoped it would inspire other Maltese people to lead a more active life.
The team, composed of Robert Gatt, Marco Cremona and Gregory Attard, discussed with the President their mountaineering aspirations and their attempt to make history by becoming the first Maltese to go above 8,000 metres. They also spoke about the personal sacrifices these aspirations entail.
The three men went on to explain how they aim to promote awareness of the importance of air quality and the prevalence of respiratory health problems.
For more information, visit www.challenge8000.net or e-mail press@challenge8000.net.