INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 25Celebrated mountaineer Nimsdai "Nims" Purja was honored with the ISPO Cup Award amidst a
ceremony held in Dusseldorf, Germany, on Friday.The accolade was presented at the German Sustainability Awards (GSA), the largest European
recognition for contributions to ecology and social commitment to sustainability
Notably, this year marked the inaugural recognition of role models for sustainability in sports by the GSA
The ISPO Cup Award was presented to Nimsdai for his achievements on the Big Mountains and for his charity work through the Nimsdai
Foundation.Born in Chitwan, Nepal, Nimsdai is the ground-breaking mountaineer who climbed all 14 of the world's 'Death Zone' peaks over
8,000m in just 6 months and 6 days
He led the first winter ascent of the 'Savage Mountain' K2, summitting without oxygen
Nimsdai is a Global Goodwill Ambassador for Nepal Tourism and founder of the charitable Nimsdai Foundation, the statement issued by the
Nimsdai Foundation said.
Photo Courtesy: @nimsdai
On receiving the accolade Nimsdai said, "I feel very humble and grateful
The Foundation was set up to give back
To help those in need across all the Big Mountain communities
Projects like the Big Mountain Clean Up aim to protect the sacred mountains for the next generation by helping to removing the waste that
has built up over decades, and by making the mountain safer by removing old ropes, which pose a danger to climbers.""But Nimsdai Foundation
helping to get vital support to those that need it on the ground via our in-country networks
The Foundation also helped the guiding community with grants during the Pandemic to help them survive the loss of tourism while the world
It also helps with educational projects and providing schooling and helps to get veterans into the mountain as a rehabilitative force for
good, Nimsdai said."Our next big project is already in the works, a Porters Lodge at Lobuche, Nepal
Porters are the unsung heroes of the mountains, carrying bags, gear and supplies up and down the trails
trekkers, Sherpas and Porters to use, he added.
Photo Courtesy: @nimsdai
"We believe that by doing our bit, and working together, we can create positive change
We only have one home, the Earth
To achieve our big plans, we need like-minded individuals and corporate game changers to work with us
Nothing is impossible when we work together."Among those attending the event were Nancy Faeser the German Federal Minister of the Interior
Nancy Faeser, Former F1 racing driver Sebastian Vettel, Former swimmer and Olympic champion Britta Steffen, Ski racing legend Christian
Neureuther, big wave surfer Sebastian Steudtner, former boxer Regina Halmich and Singer / Song writer Zoe Wees, the foundation said.
This article first appeared/also appeared in https://thehimalayantimes.com