Everest: Raising awareness about global community - Sept 17

In the spring of 1990 - when the US, China, and Soviet Union were Cold War enemies and real war seemed imminent -  I organized and led the Mount Everest International Peace Climb. But there were personal reasons for the climb as well. The expedition not only focused on peace and the environment, it fostered a global mountaineering community and inspired efforts to save a young life.

peace and healthy planet for future generations

In 1990, our team of climbers from the US, China, and the Soviet Union - Cold Ware enemies - proved that tremendous heights can be reached by working together in cooperation toward a common goal. Over a four day period, 20 climbers from our team reached the peak.

But reaching the summit together was not the only achievement. The 1990 Peace Climb also had a personal note. Soviet climber Mstyslav Gorbenko’s youngest son was born with a heart condition that required surgery. At that time, it couldn’t be performed in the Soviet Union so after the climb, the team once again came together to raiser funds to bring Gorbenko’s son to the USA. The young Rustem Gorbenko's life-saving surgery was performed in a hospital in Spokane, WA. 

Rustem is now 27-years old. He'll be getting married soon. His father, Mstyslav Gorbenko, will be attending the reunion and bringing a video greeting from his son by way of saying thank you 25-years later. This message would not be possible without the efforts of the Peace Climb team, and shows, on a small scale but in a big way, the power of our outdoor community.  

The team is gathering at Mt. Rainier on September 21 on the anniversary of the United Nations International Day of Peace and we're inviting political leaders to join us and discuss the things important to us: the environment, peace, and protecting the planet for our grandchildren to enjoy.

We are also inviting the public to join us on Thursday, September 17 at 7pm, at The Mountaineers Program Center, to meet members of the team, thank our international supporters, and see a slideshow of this historic climb. I'll share a personal slide show, and you'll see other Peace Climb team members' accounts of this fateful climb. We'll also show a feature film presentation of Three Flags Over Everest. 

A special Q & A will follow the slideshow. 

Attend the Public Celebration - Sept 17

Advanced purchase is encouraged as seating is limited. All proceeds will benefit The Mountaineers conservation and youth programs.

THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS

The Peace Climb Celebration and Reunion is sponsored by: REI, Toread, Vanke, BGI, Yongjin,  Kingdee, World Union, The Mountaineers, and the Shenzhen Foundation for International Exchange and Cooperation. Supporters include: the Port of Seattle, the Washington State China Relations Council, and the Russian Consul General Andrey Yushmanov.

Editors Note: Additional information about Jim Whittaker and the Mount Everest International Peace Climb 1990 can be found in Jim Whittaker’s book, A Life on the Edge, Memoirs of Everest and Beyond, or at  Jim Whittaker.com.  To request an excerpt from the book or a digital copy, or arrange an interview with Jim Whittaker or other team members, please contact: Dianne Roberts at Dianne@JimWhittaker.com or 360-531-1235.