A walking and climbing gear retailer is on the hunt for the most adventurous outdoors Geordie.
GO Outdoors wants to hear nominations for an award, the winner of which will open its new store in the city on 12 December. The company is looking for nominations from organisations or individuals.
Newcastle GO Outdoors store manager Liz MacDougall said: “We’ve all heard about adventurers like Ranulph Fiennes and Bear Grylls, but we’re looking for our very own local outdoor hero. That means someone from the Newcastle community who has achieved something extraordinary through outdoor pursuits.
“Perhaps they’ve climbed a mountain against all the odds? Or, raised money for charity trekking in Nepal? Equally significant could be someone who has inspired others to enjoy the benefits of outdoor adventure – perhaps through work with a local community group like the scouts or guides?
“We hope that the achievements of the outdoor adventurer chosen to open the store will inspire others throughout Newcastle.
“We are open to suggestions and will make a decision based on the personal story behind the adventure which captures our imagination the most. We want this store opening to be a fitting tribute to a local outdoor enthusiast’s achievements.”
The Newcastle store, in former DIY premises, will be the seventh new GO Outdoors shop to open since the completion of an £18 million refinancing package earlier in the year.
Nominations can be made to Liz at the Newcastle store. The nominator should include their own details and a brief summary of why their chosen hero should receive the award.
Brian Kell
04 September 2010Local (unsung) Hero,
Ron Freeman "The Birdman of Bognor" Known to most of his aquaintances as The Bald Eagle, who started hang gliding in the early 70's. From then flew in the British League, the British National Team, wining the World Championship in Japan and the Birdman competition several years on the trot. To continue the saga he teaches hang gliding and paragliding to all and sundry, and is seldom out of our local hills with his Northumbria Airsports hangliding school.
Ron is a very dedicated person whose interest in the above and other (outdoor and indoor) sports - in his early years he was a championship badminton player - should deserve some recognition.
Brian Kell,
I may be a bit biased as some of the above are my sports.