(August 3, 2009. New York, NY) Following a year of intense training, three world records were broken by a group of 25 hikers (8 blind climbers, 17 sighted guides) as they summit Mt. Kilimanjaro: the largest group of blind climbers (8); the first blinded U.S. Veteran (Thomas L. Hicks); and the youngest blind climber (13-year old Max Ashton, son of Marc Ashton, CEO, Foundation for Blind Children).Everyone on Mt. Kilimanjaro knew about the blind climbers known as "Team Kili" and celebrated the news that they had reached the summit. Nickson Moshi, of Masai Giraffe Safaris, who has guided over 200 groups to the top of Kilimanjaro the highest mountain in Africa at 19,340 ft. said "This is very rare to have such a large group all summit, but to summit together with two children and 8 blind climbers -- truly remarkable."Peter Mwenguo, Managing Director, Tanzania Tourist Board, adds "We are proud that Tanzania, and the challenge of climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, attracts and accommodates travelers with a diverse range of mobility and sensory impairments."

ABOUT TANZANIA

Tanzania, the largest country in East Africa, is focused on wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism, with approximately 28 % of the land protected by the Government. It boasts 15 National Parks and 32 game reserves. It is the home of the tallest mountain in Africa, the legendary Mt. Kilimanjaro; The Serengeti, named in October, 2006, the New 7th Wonder of the World by USA Today and Good Morning America; the world acclaimed Ngorongoro Crater, often called the 8th Wonder of the World; Olduvai Gorge, the "Cradle of Mankind"; the Selous, the world's largest game reserve; Ruaha, now the largest National Park in Africa; the spice islands of Zanzibar; and seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Most important for visitors, the Tanzanian people are warm and friendly, speak English, which together with Kiswahili, are the two official languages; and the country is an oasis of peace and stability with a democratically elected and stable government.

 

For more information about Tanzania visit www.tanzaniatouristboard.com

For more information on the Ngorongoro Crater visit http://www.ngorongorocrater.org

For more information on Tanzania National Parks visit http://www.tanzaniaparks.com

For Visa information visit http://www.tanzaniaembassy-us.org

For more information on Foundation for Blind Children, visit www.SeeItOurWay.org.

ormail: bradfordmktg@aol comg  

Editorial Contact:Karen HoffmanThe Bradford Group
Tel: (212) 447-0027 , Fax: (212) 725 8253E-