Cosgrove To Be Patron Of Army's Everest Expedition

Cosgrove To Be Patron Of Army's Everest 2001 Expedition

Department of Defence
Media Release

PACC 226/00 Wednesday 30
August, 2000

LTGEN PETER COSGROVE TO BE PATRON OF ARMY'S TENIX EVEREST 2001 EXPEDITION

Chief of Army Lieutenant General Peter Cosgrove has accepted an invitation to become Patron of the Army's Tenix Everest 2001 Expedition. The expedition will be climbing the 8850 metre Mt Everest via the North Ridge route in the Himalayas from late March to early June 2001.

The Governor General and Commander in Chief of the Australian Defence Forces, Sir William Deane, AC, KBE accepted an invitation to be Patron-in-Chief of the expedition earlier this year.

"Everest is the ultimate challenge in mountaineering, providing conditions and stresses similar to those found in combat operations. This experienced team of mountaineers will be drawing upon their teamwork, courage and initiative in order to succeed on the expedition," LTGEN Cosgrove said.

"The Tenix Everest 2001 expedition is a significant event in our celebration of the centenary of the Army and Federation. It clearly demonstrates the exciting range of challenging activities available to members of the Australian Defence Force," he said.

Tenix Pty Ltd is the Principal Sponsor of the expedition. Other significant sponsors include Saab Systems, Opentec Pty Ltd, CISCO Systems, Thai International Airlines and Mountain Designs.

The climbing team consists of twelve Australians from the Army Alpine Association including climbers from Navy, Army and Air Force and civilians.

The North Ridge of Everest presents one of the most challenging climbs for the Army Alpine Association which has conducted over 40 successful expeditions worldwide including four 8000m peaks over the past 25 years.

ENDS

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