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antiquity
07-18-2002, 02:40 PM
12:29 2002-07-18

PRESIDENT PUTIN ADMIRES COURAGE OF DISABLED ATHLETES
Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated a team of Russian mountaneers on the conquering of Mount McKinley, the highest mountain in North America, reported the presidential press service.

"Your success has proved the strength of the Russian school of mountaneers and enriched its wonderful traditions," reads Putin's message to the mountaneers. "Faced by severe Northern climate, you have displayed team spirit, high skills, and well-coordinated work.

"Allow me to express my admiration for the courage of disabled athletes, who climbed the mountain along with the rest of the team. Apart from conquering a legendary mountain, you have also made a fresh advance in your personal life." The team in question is headed by the famous traveller Matvei Shparo. For the first time in the history of Mount McKinley, which is 6,194 meters high, it was conquered by a team that included two athletes with spinal injuries, both of them bound to wheelchairs.

The team returned to Moscow a few days ago.

Canada
07-18-2002, 10:49 PM
I think this is a great accomplishment not only for the Russians, but all disabled athletes. It is also safe to say that two disabled American athletes will now have to top that accomplishment. Think of it as a new type of Cold War.
(a friendly war and cold will be made reference to the top of the mountain of course!)

I can see the headlines of USA Today already...."Two disabled U.S. Climbers and 1 Canadian top Everest"

I had to throw in the Canadian only because I am Canadian and fair is fair I guess.

BEAVERCANOE OVER AND OUT