Whisky Focus - Bowmore Ben Nevis Challenge Capability Scotland

Bowmore partners with Capability Scotland to take on the Bowmore Ben Nevis challenge.

Bowmore, the first Islay Single Malt whisky has announced that it will sponsor the 2011 Bowmore Ben Nevis Challenge. The event, supporting Capability Scotland, Scotland’s best known disability organisation, will see teams of disabled and non-disabled people work together to take on the challenge of scaling the UK’s highest peak, Ben Nevis, on Saturday 4th June 2011.

Following the success of the original Challenge in 2008 which saw Britain’s first wheelchair-led ascent of Ben Nevis, this year’s event will give even more people the opportunity to take on this tremendous challenge.

Guided by ex-SAS officer and TV Presenter Ken Hames, the twelve teams of six will be led by disabled people with a variety of impairments. The leaders will navigate and direct their team to the summit and in the process help beat 2008’s fundraising total of £100,000.

Cara Laing, Bowmore Brand Manager, added: "Bowmore has always been a champion of nature and the great outdoors so we’re delighted to be working with Capability and Ken Hames to help open it up to everyone. Scaling the mountain will be a challenge to every single member of the teams taking part and, as well as sponsoring the challenge, we are going to be tackling that challenge head on by entering our own team."

The money raised will go to Capability to support them in their work campaigning with and supporting disabled people of all ages in Scotland at home, at work and at school. But this event is not just about raising valuable funds, as Capability’s Director of External Affairs, Richard Hamer explains: "As well as challenging the people participating in the event we want to challenge people’s expectations of what is possible. In Scotland we have some of the most beautiful landscapes in the UK and disabled people, just like non-disabled people want the opportunity to explore and enjoy every part of our country, an opportunity which they are not always given."

The first Ben Nevis challenge in 2008 was the brainchild of Ken Hames, who will once again be leading the event giving his time, energy and expertise to the project. He said: "I am passionate about the great outdoors and about opening it up to everyone who wants to experience the excitement and challenge it offers. The great outdoors has been my life and it inspires me and others to challenge the status quo and to continue to offer support and opportunities while promoting inclusivity in all walks of life. I’m so pleased that Bowmore has offered their support."

You can get involved!

Capability Scotland are looking for volunteers and sponsors. Here’s how you can be part of this inspirational challenge:

• Join us as a volunteer - Whatever your experience, you can get involved. Could you be one of their 12 mountain-trained volunteers? If not, don’t worry! They also need another 30 people at the bottom of the mountain - there’s loads of ways you can help.
   
• Sponsor a team - Can’t join them on the day? Show your support by making a donation.
   
• Support the Bowmore Ben Nevis Challenge online by following it on Facebook and Twitter and help them tell even more people about this amazing challenge.

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