Yo dirtbag paddlers: Want some sponsorship help to get your next kayaking, canoeing or rafting adventure off the ground? Look no further than the Polartec® International Challenge Grant, now entering its 17th year. Applications for the $10,000 grant are now available for 2009 expeditions.
For nearly two decades, the Polartec® International Challenge Grant has supported expeditions and adventures to every corner of the Earth, from climbing expeditions in the Himalaya to epic canoe crossings of Canada’s Baffin Island. Nothing’s off limits, as long as it meets the grant’s parameters.
“Since 1991, Polartec has supported over 100 expeditions around the world,” says Director of Marketing Nate Simmons. “Polartec builds fabrics to withstand every kind of climate and we’re proud to support adventures that put our products to the test.”
The grant seeks to assist frugal (yes, that’s us, paddlers), low impact teams who respect the local culture and environment and serve as role models to outdoor enthusiasts worldwide. Applications are evaluated on the basis of their vision, commitment and credibility. Prior winners have explored mountains, forests, caves, rivers, oceans and deserts around the globe by nearly every means imaginable.
Past recipients of the Polartec® Challenge Grant include outdoor pioneers and adventurers such as Conrad Anker, Jimmy Chin, Steve House, Marko Prezelj, Andrew McLean and John Shipton. In addition to grant money, winners will also be fully decked out with Polartec® garments to keep expedition members warm, dry and comfortable wherever their adventures lead them.
The Polartec® Challenge is not the appropriate venue for projects that involve competition or fund raising. To apply for the 2009 International Polartec® Challenge Grant, visit www.polartec.com. The deadline for submissions is December 20, 2008 and the winners will be announced at the Winter Outdoor Retailer show in January 2009.
