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Follow on Google News | Success on Kilimanjaro: Lakpa Rita Sherpa Becomes First Sherpa to Climb Seven SummitsLakpa Rita Sherpa confirmed his place in Sherpa and mountaineering history on February 13th when he stood atop Mount Kilimanjaro and became the first Sherpa to climb the Seven Summits—the highest peaks on every continent.
By: Boo Turner The experienced mountain guide found Kilimanjaro easy compared to other high altitude ascents, but “extremely beautiful and interesting,” Lakpa Rita Sherpa learned the meaning of the Seven Summits—and that he might be able to climb them—after immigrating to the United States in 2000. At that time, he already had multiple ascents of Mount Everest, and that year, he climbed Alaska’s Mount McKinley twice. In the following years, as a guide for Alpine Ascents International (www.alpineascents.com) As one of the few Sherpa who works internationally as a professional mountain guide, Lakpa Rita Sherpa leads climbers on approximately twenty trips per year, including on Mount Everest, Aconcagua and in the North Cascades of Washington state. His highly regarded mountain expertise and his skills organizing Himalayan expeditions have built the career that enabled him to travel the world, and therefore, has given him the rare privilege of climbing the Seven Summits. With the culmination of his bid for the Seven Summits, Lakpa Rita Sherpa shares the honor with fellow Sherpa people who are so respected for their quiet contribution helping others to the top of the highest peaks of the world. He knows it takes many people to help one person to stand upon a summit. Of his achievement, he said, “I think they are very proud.” About Sherpa Adventure Gear Sherpa Adventure Gear was founded in 2003 by Tashi Sherpa, who was inspired to start the company when he discovered that his uncle was one of the Sherpa on Sir Edmund Hilary’s celebrated first-ever expedition to the top of Mount Everest in 1953. Sherpa Adventure Gear—which manufacturers apparel and equipment for mountain adventures—honors the unsung Sherpa heroes who make high altitude Himalayan climbs possible by carrying loads and laying ropes on treacherous slopes. Those very climbers test and help design Sherpa Adventure Gear products, most of which are produced in Nepal, where the company employs local Sherpas and plans to open a retail store in spring 2009. The Renton, Washington-based company gives back to the largely impoverished Sherpa community by donating a portion of every sale to organizations that benefit their future, such as the Sherpa Education Fund. Additionally, Sherpa athlete-ambassadors are supported with a royalty on sales to help support their families’ futures. # # # Footloose Communications represents small businesses in the active sports and outdoor industry. Clients include and have included: Bridgedale socks, Oboz Footwear, nuun, Reel Rock Film Tour, Outdoorzy.com and Sherpa Adventure Gear. End
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