Climb to ‘the roof’ of Africa

A British team of non-disabled and disabled climbers has become what is believed to be the first multi-ability group to reach the summit of Africa’s highest peak: Mount Kilimanjaro.

Altitude sickness and exhaustion prevented only a few of them from reaching the summit, which is 19340ft (5895m) above sea level.

The trek organisers – the charity Enham – hope the trip will encourage other people with disabilities to realise their full potential.

Bryan Magee, who is non-disabled, and his brother Jamie, who has left paralysis, both took part.

Bryan recorded an audio diary of his experiences. Here is his story:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/7558288.stm

We are delighted to report that The Mountain Within has been accepted for the Rossland Mountain Film Festival Showcase in Canada and will be screened on Saturday 21 November.

This is the second festival acceptance for the film after it was shown at the Avoca Beach Film Festival in Australia just last weekend. There is more to follow but in the meantime you can find out more about the festival here. http://www.rosslandfilmfest.com/

Help for Special Olympics

THE LOCAL Special Olympics program received a $850.75 boost from a two-night showing of “The Mountain Within”.  It documents seven disabled individuals’ trek up Mount Kilimanjaro in summer 2008.

More than 155 people came out to the two showings of the film Sept. 4 and all the proceeds were donated to the local special olympics here.  Gregory Rinaldi of Brag Productions says the film will be released to theatres in the UK soon.  Rinaldi plans to bring the film back to North America next summer,

Meanwhile, the film will be entered in as many film festivals as possible.

By MARGARET SPEIRS of the Terrace Standard

http://www.bclocalnews.com/bc_north/terracestandard/community/Help_for_Special_Olympics.html