'SUMMITS FOR ED' TRIBUTE TOUR KNOCKED OFF!

Between 8000 and 10,000 people had climbed 37 local summits from Bluff to the Cape when the tribute tour was completed on May 29.

Sir Edmund Hillary - Summits for Ed

The Sir Edmund Hillary Foundation and Outdoor Pursuits Centre co-ordinated a nationwide final tribute to Sir Ed – a chance for all New Zealanders to create a lasting memorial as an inspiration for the youth of our nation.

The Summits for Ed tribute tour started on Tuesday March 25, 2008 at Southland's famous Bluff, visited more than 30 towns and cities around the country and concluded at Cape Reinga on Thursday May 29 at 11:00am, exactly 55 years after Hillary and Tenzing reached the summit of Mt. Everest.

Everyone was invited to join their local summit climb. They were also invited to make a donation to assist the Hillary Foundation to continue promoting Sir Ed's ideals for youth in New Zealand.

A permanent stone memorial at Tongariro is planned.

"I am right behind the Summits for Ed initiative. Ed has always been very impressed with the work of the Outdoor Pursuits Centre. He would have been very keen to see this event take place, with young and old getting out and enjoying climbing a summit in their local area. I hope everyone will get involved."
Lady Hillary