Summit Day Announced To Honour Sir Edmund Hillary

Summit Day Announced To Honour Sir Edmund Hillary

Today, at an official luncheon to honour Sir Edmund Hillary, the Prime Minister Rt Hon Helen Clark, announced Summit Day to be held on Thursday May 29, 2003. Summit Day is an occasion for all New Zealanders to honour Sir Edmund - our greatest living treasure.

The Sir Edmund Hillary Trust is organising Summit Day as the pinnacle event of the 50th anniversary celebrations of Sir Edmund and Tenzing Norgay’s ascent of Mt Everest.

The Trust was set up last year with help from the Government to acknowledge Sir Edmund, celebrate this year’s 50th anniversary milestone, and raise funds for the continuation of his life’s work.

“Summit Day is a day where all New Zealanders will have the opportunity to strive for the summit of their own personal challenge,” said Dame Cath Tizard, chair of the Trust.

“That challenge may be for an individual, a team, business or a class of school children. It could be a physical, artistic, work or a personal challenge.

“The Sir Edmund Hillary Trust is asking New Zealanders to use this special day as a focus for their challenge to include a fundraising aspect into the day,” she said.

On May 29, 2003 from 11am, New Zealanders from around the country will be asked to bring five-dollar notes to a central meeting point in each town around the country as a contribution to the Sir Edmund Hillary Trust.

The Trust will encourage people to walk, bike or run to their town’s local summit or another suitable area. Once the community has gathered, they will take part in a nation-wide recorded message of thanks and support to Sir Edmund Hillary.

“We will ask sporting legends, celebrities, politicians and locals to come to the event in their town. Come rain, sunshine or hail – people across New Zealand will have an opportunity to send a message to Sir Edmund. This is an adventure!” said Dame Cath.

The audio messages will be collated and beamed to Sir Edmund and Lady Hillary who will be in Kathmandu, Nepal.

The Radio Network is the Trust’s key sponsor for this once-in-a-lifetime event. Its Newstalk ZB, Classic Hits and ZM stations will provide promotion and support leading up to and at the community event on Summit Day.

The Trust is working with local councils and regional sports trusts to ensure all communities have a chance to participate throughout the country.

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