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The DAILY DIRT - The nitty and the gritty of outdoor news

Blind Kids Climb Kilimanjaro

Climbers set two records—most blind climbers and youngest blind climber at the top

If you spent your weekend lazing around on the sofa, here's something to make you feel extra-lazy. A group of blind kids successfully summited Kilimanjaro, setting two records in the process: most blind climbers on Africa's highpoint, and the youngest blind climber to summit, 13-year-old Max Ashton.

As part of Phoenix-based non-profit Foundation for Blind Children, eight blind climbers and their 17 sighted guides reached the top on June 29. It's rare for entire parties to make it to the summit, so the team's success is especially impressive.

Meanwhile, Max Ashton, the youngest blind summiteer, seems to have the makings of a brash mountaineer. Sure, he donated his hiking shoes to his guides, who often climb barefoot or in sandals, but he's also got some killer instinct:

"I want to prove that kids can do anything. I’m only 12 years old which is in itself a challenge but I’m also blind. But the main reason why I want to go is because of the bragging rights."

Watch your back, Erik Weihenmayer: Max Ashton is on your tail.

—Ted Alvarez

See Kili Our Way

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EM
Jul 23, 2009

It is so cool that he did that! It makes me want to try new things!
EM (9yrs old)

Kelley in Canada
Jul 12, 2009

Hooray for Max...he is my cousin's son...I am so proud of him!!! It must have been amazing!!

Tori
Jul 10, 2009

My husband was one of the "blind kids" he's going to be 40 but lots of folks made the assumption that they were all kids. Max is a rockin' youth for sure!!!

Marc Ashton
Jul 09, 2009

I just turned 43. Although it was a struggle, it was worth every step.

Marc Ashton
Jul 09, 2009

I just turned 43. Although it was a struggle, it was worth every step.

Marc Ashton
Jul 09, 2009

I just turned 43. Although it was a struggle, it was worth every step.

Nancy Cutinha
Jul 08, 2009

Wow - impressive records! What an inspiration - well done to all the kids and their guides who made it to the Roof of Africa!

Anonymous
Jul 07, 2009

You kids are an inspiration. Mt. Kilmangaro is on my 'to do' list and I hope to do it on my 40th birthday. Keep it up.

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