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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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READERS COMMENTS
It is so cool that he did that! It makes me want to try new things!
EM (9yrs old)
Posted: Jul 23, 2009 EM
Hooray for Max...he is my cousin's son...I am so proud of him!!! It must have been amazing!!
Posted: Jul 12, 2009 Kelley in Canada
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!!!
Posted: Jul 10, 2009 Tori
I just turned 43. Although it was a struggle, it was worth every step.
Posted: Jul 09, 2009 Marc Ashton
I just turned 43. Although it was a struggle, it was worth every step.
Posted: Jul 09, 2009 Marc Ashton
I just turned 43. Although it was a struggle, it was worth every step.
Posted: Jul 09, 2009 Marc Ashton
Wow - impressive records! What an inspiration - well done to all the kids and their guides who made it to the Roof of Africa!
Posted: Jul 08, 2009 Nancy Cutinha
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.
Posted: Jul 07, 2009 Anonymous
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