This challenge was an attempt to do something that has never been done before, to play an official match of cricket at an altitude of 5,164m, approximately 17,000 vertical feet on the lead up to Mount Everest. By doing this The Everest Test 2009 would set a new world record altitude for field sport, as recognised by Guiness.
On the 9th of April 50 people flew from Britain and joined around 40 Nepalis and on the 21st of April 2009 Team Hillary and Team Tenzing competed in, and completed a Twenty 20 cricket match on the Gorak Shep Plateau overcoming difficulties such as altitude sickness, malnutrition and only 60% of the oxygen available at sea level.
Logistically the challenge was immense with the organisation of all the kit, players, medical team and officials making this mentally and physically demanding to all involved. The people embarking on the expedition are all volunteers who have 9 to 5 jobs in the UK, and share a common passion for making this work whilst creating a positive legacy for sport in the UK and the Himalyan region.
The Pain
With so much central kit the porters had their hands full, so each participant carried their own kit, which is not the norm in this region. This multiplied the already tough impact of altitude and lack of vitamins/protein etc. 5 people ended up on drips and 2 blacked out. But thanks to peoples common sense and a great effort from the medical team everyone made it to the match day plateau.
The Charities
The attempt is to raise £250,000 pounds for Britain and the Himalayas. We want a positive impact where we are from and where we went. In the UK we are supporting the Lords Taverners, a cricket charity aimed at helping disabled and disadvantaged children access sport, and in the Himalayas through The Himalayan Trust UK that preserves the traditional way of life, helping provide education and medical facilities amongst other activity.
Your donation
All monies donated will reach the charities as we covered our own costs, in some cases to a tune of £3,000.
The Himalayan Trust UK : UK Charity No. - 1000153
Further Information
To see the success story and the pain of the Cricket on Everest World Record attempt for Sport at Altitude visit
http://www.theeveresttest.com/
Daily Mail News Article - Click here
The Times News Article - Click here
Thank you for any help and all your contributions are important to us.
