GGM Kilimanjaro Challenge Against HIV & AIDS 15th Anniversary’s Marks a Special Flag Off, 57 Climber 30 Cyclis up to the top.

GGM Kili Challenge 2016 - Heroes Faces Day IV.

Today’s images….What a positive sight despite the tiredness!!!!

Former President of the United Republic of Tanzania HE. Dr Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete has flagged off the 2016 Kili Challenge at Machame Gate in Moshi marking its 15th year historical event!!. Government authorities and institution, United Nations Development Programme representatives in Tanzania, the general public and Strong 57 Kili climbers and 30 Cyclists were all there ready to mark the historical event.

Speaking during the ceremony to start a 7 days double routes, President Kikwete commended GGM and its partnering stakeholders for the continued commitment to support government initiative in the fight against HIV and AIDS.

“The initiative is now approaching to 1,000 people from all across the world participating in the Kilimanjaro Challenge and combined with  joint effort with other initiatives, the reduction of HIV infections has been reduced from a double digits to 5.1% nationalwide…this is commendable effort”.

He added that Tanzania at that percentage, people must be proud of the hard work done by the government through TACAIDS and its associate partners such as GGM and this has been possible through these kind of innovative approaches.

“I sincerely thank GGM and its partners for this noble undertaking. This is a positive corporate responsibility. I therefore ask other companies and even individuals to contribute to this course. Let us all rise up to join the fight against HIV & AIDS in order to make our Country the first in the world to get to 3 Zeros: Zero New Infections, Zero Stigma and Zero AIDS related deaths. "He said.

 the hungry Cycling team was enjoying a video clip while waiting for the lunch to be set on the “Road table”. 

GGM Managing Director Mr. Terry Mulpeter appreciated the government support to the initiative. “Your presence here our Former President,  signifies your personal commitment to this noble fight and the government of Tanzania appreciations in supporting the joint efforts made by Private sector and Public Institution by working hand in hand to support government initiatives in the fight against HIV and AIDS in Tanzania”  He added that GGM in partnership with TACAIDS and other organizations, want to see a healthy and productive society. Mr. Terry said “this year, the heroic and determined climbers and cyclists are from Tanzania, Mali; South Africa, United States, United Kingdom and Australia together will be undertaking this Challenge for a good cause and for fulfilling the dreams.” He concluded.

GGM Managing Director  jointly with Executive Director from TACAIDS handled over certificates of appreciations to HE. President Kikwete Ret. (1995 -2005) as well as HE President Ali Hassan Mwinyi-Ret. (1985-1995)

Day IV:

Climbing Updates

GGM Kili Climb Lead Captain:  Kelvin Yasiwa

Assistant Captain:  Japhet Kidende 

It was 9:00am when a group of 57 Kili Challenge Climbing Heroes left Baranco Camp in deep silence despite the most fresh tasty breakfast they had with the famous cucumber soup. The walk today took the team 6hrs to Karanga Camp for an early rest before tomorrow where they will face the Great wall climbing famous as “Kissing rocks.” Tomorrows’ Challenge is not a cliff face and it is not a climb. It is mostly a  very steep path that requires the team to use their hands every now and then with a bit of a scramble in a couple of places.

At Karanga, the team relaxed while looking at the beautiful sunset view from the far west high above the clouds.  Unfortunately, one hero who was so determined to make it to the top, tried and tried real hard, but the body could not take it further due to the altitude and acclimatization adaptation. He was advised by doctors not to continue with the Challenge. Therefore the number has come down from 57 to 56 climbers.

There is symptoms of altitude sickness to almost everyone in the team today resulted by climbing on high altitude. However the level of effect differs from one individual to another. It is a tough call.

Height: 13255 ft / 4040m

Walking distance: 5.5 km/3.5 miles

Walking time: 6 hours

Altitude gain: 55 m/185 ft

Cycling Updates:

GGM Kili 360 Cycling Lead Captain: Andrew Austin

Assistant Captain: Gordon Maclear.

The team is currently going under the  “No network zone” Despite several communications  attempts made, we did not have further information apart from the last successful communication through Whatsapp by the captain when the team was taking lunch on the road at 1:27pm. We will inform you once the communication channel issues have been solved and secured.