SYDNEY, April 18, 2012 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) has announced approval for philanthropic organisation, Wings of Kilimanjaro's request to launch two hundred paragliding and hang-gliding global activists off Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa. The official flight date is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, February 5, 2013 www.wingsofkilimanjaro.com.
Set to mark a global first, the group plan to ascend the gruelling 19,341 feet or 5,895 metre mountain, the highest point in Africa and then launch from the peak. The aim of this endeavour is to raise a million dollars to provide financial funding for education, health and environmental aid in Tanzania.
Adrian McRae, the Australian founder behind Wings of Kilimanjaro, says, "Knowing that we have set out to achieve something that has never been done before will be a challenge for everyone involved, but the reward lies in knowing that together we will help raise global awareness and much needed funding for development in Africa." McRae is no stranger to the mountain, having successfully completed a climb in 2003.
Allan Kijazi, Director General of Tanzania National Parks, says, "We are proud to showcase the picturesque Tanzanian National Parks to the world, and hope to draw attention and awareness towards helping those who need it most." Permission for this much anticipated event has been granted by the Tanzanian National Parks, Tanzanian Civil Aviation Authority and Tanzanian Military, who have all promised their support.
The event will also see Wings of Kilimanjaro collaborate with two local based charities, Plant with Purpose and the One Foundation. Scott Sabin, Executive Director with Plant with Purpose says, "Through raising awareness and funds, Wings of Kilimanjaro will join us in healing the land and empowering local people. Thanks to their efforts, it's more than just pilots who will soar in 2013."
Plant with Purpose works with 38 different communities in the regions surrounding Mt. Kilimanjaro to create alternatives to deforestation, share tools needed to empower local people to replenish the land and improve their lives. The One Foundation is a UK based charity, working with communities in Africa to address some of the most humanitarian issues of today - clean water, HIV, sanitation and nutrition.
For further information please visit: www.wingsofkilimanjaro.com
CONTACT: John Ballerini, Mobile: +61-4-5990-0955, john@wingsofkilimanjaro.com
