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Speeches

Introduction
I am very happy to join you here today to launch the Xixabangma Expedition 2002. I have never done any mountain climbing, but I can imagine how tough and challenging it can be for mountaineers to spend days and nights under the most adverse of conditions, climbing the high peaks of the world. I respect them for their skills, courage, determination and team spirit.

Mountaineering In Singapore
Mountaineering has gained a growing following in Singapore, particularly amongst the youths. This is a healthy trend. Mountaineering is more than just a sport. It is an inspiring experience that helps to bring out the spirit of enterprise and daring endeavour in our people.

The series of courageous expeditions undertaken by Singaporeans - Mt Everest Expedition, the Antarctica 2000, Eco-Challenge Sabah and Seven Summits Expedition and so on, has inspired many Singaporeans, and contributed to a fair share of the growing interest in not just high-altitude mountaineering, but various other forms of adventures too.

What is even most exciting is that we will never run out of mountains to climb and challenges to overcome, because there is always a more fulfilling way of reaching the peaks. The Xixabangma Expedition 2002 is indeed yet another effort to rewrite the best in the mountaineering history of Singapore.

Our Mountaineers And Their Challenge
Four of Singapore's very best mountaineers - Robert, Ying Jang, Edwin and Chee Mun --- brought together by their passion for the sport, will attempt to scale the 8,027m Himalayan peak without using supplementary oxygen or pre-built camps along the way.

Known as the Alpine Ascent, it attracts only the world's most skilful mountaineers. It pits the human spirit and body against the sternest odds. It calls for determination, tenacity, patience and sound judgement.

This coming expedition will push the limits of mountaineering in Singapore to a new height. The members of the expedition already have impressive records of mountaineering achievements. They all hold full-time jobs and have successful careers. Yet, they choose to devote much of their time and energy to pursue their passion and undertake strenuous endeavours. This strong sense of purpose and passion is one virtue we should all seek to nurture in ourselves, and in our young.

"Making it Real" For Other Young
I am therefore glad that the Xixabangma Expedition is launching a "Make It Real" programme to encourage our youths to take on greater challenges in life. It will inspire novice student adventurers to dare mightier things and endure harsher life experiences.

10 students from NUS will have the opportunity to be involved in the planning and execution of this major expedition. They will be trained and taught the organisational and technical skills needed for mountaineering. Among them, some will be given the chance to trek with the main expedition members to the Xixabangma Base Camp and Advance Base Camp in March next year.

After the programme, these students will impart their skills to other keen students in the universities and the community at large through talks and training sessions. We hope this will help nurture them to become exemplars of an all-rounded education and well-balanced living, as well as to be a source of inspiration to their peers.

Concluding Remarks - International Year Of The Mountains 2002
The year 2002 has been declared the International Year of the Mountains by The United Nations. The Singapore Mountaineering Federation, together with their affiliates will be organising a host of activities to support the "International Year of the Mountains" initiative. Xixabangma will definitely be one of the key highlights in our local effort.

It is indeed heartening to see organisations such as Singapore Pools, the Summit Sponsor, Singapore Sports Council and National Youth Council coming forward to lend support to this worthy cause. We are still short of $450,000. I hope more organisations will come forward to support the expedition.

I wish the Xixabangma Expedition team every success in its endeavour.