MEDIA RELEASE
In November, a group of 12 international youth will set out from the South Pole for the North under human-power, on a
world-first expedition. This 35000 kilometre journey will take a year and a half and is being organised by the Pole to
Pole Leadership Institute, whose aim is to inspire, empower, and train youth to take initiative and become leaders
addressing the critical issues of our time. The Institute captures the imagination of youth world-wide by undertaking
epic journeys that demonstrate how youth can overcome obstacles, become leaders in their own right, and effect positive
global change.
HISTORY: In February 2000, a group of eight youth set out from the North Pole on a human powered journey across the
Polar ice cap, through the Americas, by sail to Antarctica, and then across the Antarctic continent to the South Pole.
Powered by human passion, determination, and the belief they could make the world a better place by participating in
local community initiatives working with over 50 charitable organizations including: war orphans in Nicaragua; tree
planting in Canada; stream clean ups in South America; poverty alleviation in the slums of Lima; services for the
homeless in New York; and preservation of penguin habitat in Southern Chile. This is what makes this journey unique, a
combination of adventure, community service and education.
This was the first Pole to Pole Trek Team and they arrived at the South Pole on December 31, 2000 becoming the first
humans ever to accomplish this journey.
THE CURRENT POLE TO POLE JOURNEY
An Epic Journey:
Starting November 2006 at the South Pole, this second Pole to Pole journey will travel north 35,000 kilometers for
eighteen months by ski, foot, sail, bicycle, canoe and kayak to the North Pole.
This journey will be undertaken by two teams of twelve youth from countries around the globe. One Team will undertake
the first half of the journey and then pass the responsibility to the second Team which will complete the journey to the
North Pole. Two members of the first Team will accompany the second Team providing a continuous connection from one Pole
to another.
Youth Working for Environmental, Social, and Sustainable Economic Causes:
Pole to Pole Advance Teams made up of international youth will work with existing charitable projects along the Pole to
Pole journey route to demonstrate that youth can make a tangible contribution to this world.
Youth Inspiring and Training Youth
Education Teams made up of Pole to Pole youth will present the inspiration and leadership training of Pole to Pole to
youth world-wide.
THE SELECTION PROCESS:
The participant decides to apply (18-28 years old)
Pole to Pole gives you your own Pole to Pole personal website and a set of on-line communication tools
Put together a support team (10 supporting members donating US$25 each) they will provide important financial support to
help make the training and work of the Teams and all of Pole to Pole’s youth leadership and community service activities
possible.
On-line application form. (covering basic skills, and a short essay about why you should be selected.)
*OPTIONAL: “Go the Extra Mile”. An important part of spreading the word about Pole to Pole and the power of youth to
make a difference in this world is talking to one another about it.
Applications close: 5th August, 2006.
240 applicants will be chosen for Selection Camp in Vancouver, Canada (26-31st August). 20 people each from the nine
countries: Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Russia, South Africa, China/Hong Kong, and
Japan. An additional sixty selectees will be chosen from all other countries world-wide.
Teams chosen: the 240 applicants choose the expedition, advanced and education teams on the final day of the selection
camp.
Journey starts: November, 2006.
NEW ZEALAND APPLICANTS
I, Jonathan Earle, am one of two New Zealand applicants that I know of. The other is Stephane Janson of Hamilton. I am
raising media awareness as apart of the ‘Go the Extra Mile’ process. I feel that regardless if I am selected or not for
this journey, sharing this knowledge can only benefit the organisation as a whole and it may even spark other New
Zealand youth into action. This is what this project is about: creating a community for positive change. I am aiming to
be a part of the expedition team, but also would be happy to partake in any part of this amazing project.
I have completed all of the above steps and have shown my energy, passion and enthusiasm for this project via numerous
forms, across many countries. I still have two weeks left to push this global Non-Profit Organisation to the general New
Zealand public, where others maybe inspired by this story. My personal page has received recognition and has been used
by the Institute to inspire other applicants. This has been a FANTASTIC journey for me to date, and this is proving to
be a valuable stepping stone in my own personal career.
My personal page is: http://www.poletopoleleadership.com/site/TR?px=1025222=personal_id=1030
And Stephane’s:
http://www.poletopoleleadership.com/site/TR?px=1016482=personal_id=1030
ENDS