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For Immediate Release
Conrad Anker, renowned mountain
climber
speaks about the challenges of
climbing the tallest mountain
Edmonton, AB -
On October 6, 2010, the Edmonton Space
& Science Foundation and TELUS World of Science - Edmonton will host the
renowned mountain climber, author, environmental activist featured in the film The Wildest Dream: Conquest of Everest, for his first-ever
speaking event in Alberta. Conrad's talk
Celebrating Exploration will take place at in the IMAX Theatre at
TELUS World of Science - Edmonton at 7:45 p.m. A screening of the film will begin at 6:00 p.m.
Mr. Conrad Anker was invited by TELUS
World of Science - Edmonton under the auspices of its Brightest Minds
Program. The Program aims to bring the
world's best and brightest individuals in science and technology to the science
centre to provide Edmontonians the chance to meet, learn from, and to be
inspired by these talented and highly acclaimed individuals. "The Edmonton
Space & Science Foundation, which operates TELUS World of Science, strives
to provide Edmonton area residents with unique opportunities to explore and
understand the world around them; our Brightest Minds Program is one of
our leading initiatives in this direction. Mr. Anker perfectly epitomizes the Brightest
Minds Program and we couldn't be more thrilled to be able to welcome him to
Edmonton," said Steve Baker, Acting COO, Edmonton Space & Science
Foundation / TELUS World of Science - Edmonton.
In
addition to the evening appearance, Mr. Anker will give two presentations earlier
in the day at 11:15 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. to 430 grade 7- 12 Edmonton and area
students at TELUS World of Science - Edmonton.
Mr.
Anker specializes in climbing the most technically challenging terrain he can
find. This search has taken him from the
mountains of Alaska and Antarctica to the big walls of Patagonia and Baffin, and
to the massive peaks of the Himalaya. Conrad's Antarctic experience spans a
decade, with the world's first ascents in three regions. In 1997, Conrad climbed Rakekniven, a 2,500
foot wall in Queen Maud Lad. This
incredible remote climb was covered by the National Geographic Society. Conrad has climbed the Vinson Massif via
three new routes and currently holds the record for the fastest climb of the regular
route (9 hours 11 minutes).
In
May 1999, Conrad discovered the body of George Mallory, the preeminent Everest
explorer of the 1920s. The disappearance
of Mallory and Irvine on their summit bid of June 1924 is one of climbing's
great mysteries. Conrad's discovery and
analysis of the find has shed new light onto the pioneering climbs of the early
expeditions. Conrad again reached the
summit of Everest on June 14, 2007.
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