Earth Day Climb a Wild Success

Alberta Wilderness Association

News Release: April 21, 2007

Calgary showed off its wild side this past Earth Day weekend as more than 830 Albertans celebrated their province's wild spaces with the Alberta Wilderness Association at the 16th Annual Climb & Run for Wilderness.

"Today's event was another terrific success," said Christyann Olson, AWA's Executive Director. "We are thrilled with the increasing concern for our environment shown by all the participants who made today possible."

Participants ran and climbed the Calgary Tower's 802 stairs in support of the conservation and education work that helps protect our natural heritage. The popular fundraiser raised more than $115,000 this year. With families, corporate teams, and individuals all showing off their wild enthusiasm, it was Calgary's premier Earth Day event honouring the wild places that make Alberta great.

Phyllis Hart was once again our oldest climber, now age 92! This is her 11th year climbing the tower. Award winners included:

  • Top Fundraising Individual: Ward Neale, $2325.10
  • Most Climbs, Female: Pina Mazza, 18 climbs
  • Most Climbs, Male: Jamsey Ramsey, 19 climbs
  • Most Climbs Youth, Female (15-18): Audrey Lane Cockett, 16 climbs
  • Most climbs Youth, Male (15-18): Jonathan Heinz, 30 climbs - New Record!
  • Most climbs Youth (14 and under), Female: Sarah Farley, 9 climbs
  • Most climbs Youth (14 and under), Male: James Greenside, 15 climbs
  • Oldest Climber Female: Phyllis Hart, 92 years
  • Oldest Climber Male: Richard Guy, 90 years
  • Youngest Climber: Madelaine Fricke, 3 years on Monday
  • Top Fundraising Team: EnCana Cares, $5530.00 (Sam Lau, Paul O'Gorman, Gabriele Ehnes-Lilly, Dave Marks)
  • Most Climbs by a Team: Critical Speed, 108 climbs - New Record! (Luke Way, 30 climbs, Rosemary Gerspacher, 27 climbs, Jordan Bryden, 27 climbs, Joel Souchotte, 24 climbs)
  • Team Spirit Award: PetroCanada Pumpers (Glen Stewart, Ted Lawrence, Dean Osgood, Allin Folinsbee)
  • Run for Wilderness, Male Winner: Vincent Pialoux, 8:30 minutes
  • Run for Wilderness, Female Winner: Lesley Farrar, 10:38 minutes
  • Run for Wilderness, Oldest Runner: Bob Halton, 56 years, 17:49 minutes

Local dignitaries joined in the celebration, including Mayor Dave Bronconnier, MLA Dave Rodney, Aldermen Druh Farrell and Barry Erskine, and Master of Ceremonies, local comedian Scott Dumas. Twenty-five groups and individuals showcased their work at the Wild Alberta Expo. Live musicians, face painters, and wildlife mascots joined the spirited participants for a fantastic festival atmosphere.

AWA would like to thank all its sponsors, volunteers and climbers who made this year's event a wonderful and successful celebration.

For more information:

Nigel Douglas: (403) 283-2025, [email protected],
www.climbforwilderness.ca