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First Sri Lanka Adventure Quest
MountainQuest Adventures
30 International Adventure Racing Teams to Compete
During First Sri Lanka Adventure Quest March 31-April 4, 2004
Team Nike ACG of the United States and Team Seagate from New Zealand Among
Those Vying for Portion of the $50,000 Purse
Following years of political turmoil and civil unrest, Sri Lanka will open
its arms on March 31 to competitors from around the world for the first Sri
Lanka Adventure Quest (www.srilankaadventurequest.com).
Organized by Wild Holidays, Ltd., and sponsored by Sri Lankan Airlines, Odel
and the Sri Lanka Tourism Board, the race has already attracted many of the
best multi-sport racers from around the world. Competitors will test their
abilities and discover their souls, as they explore Sri Lanka while trail
running and mountain biking, paddling rivers and lakes, abseiling off steep
cliffs through waterfalls, and going underground to explore caves. Along
the way, competitors will discover the rich spiritual history of Sri Lanka
by learning about the landmarks they will see.
“The Sri Lanka Adventure Quest provides an excellent means to showcase the
beauty and richness of Sri Lanka,” says Paddy Withana, Sri Lanka Tourist
Board Chairman.
“Sri Lanka is already a popular sun, sand, and sea destination, and the Sri
Lanka Adventure Quest fits with our goal to showcase the lesser known gems
of our country the cultural and natural beauty that lends itself to an
adventure-filled experience.”
The Sri Lanka Adventure Quest will challenge 30 international coed teams of
four over five days. The two top adventure racing teams in the world, Team
Nike ACG of the United States, and Team Seagate from New Zealand, will be
among the teams competing for a portion of the $50,000 prize purse. On each
of the five days of competition, teams will race for between six to 12
hours, with one day lasting up to 30 hours and taking many teams through the
night.
“The race is designed to create a delicate balance between speed, endurance,
and teamwork,” says Race Director, Barry Siff of MountainQuest Adventures
(Boulder, Colorado). A world-class adventure racer himself, Siff brings
experience and insight to the position.
Sri Lanka, called one of the most beautiful islands in the world by Marco
Polo, has endured many years of civil unrest. Now, with peace at home,
chief organizer of the event, Vijitha Welikala of Wild Holidays, Ltd, sees
the event as a way to regain its status as a wonderful destination spot;
but, also, “to expose the Sri Lankan youth to the amazing treasures and
adventure opportunities that exist within our own borders.”
Wild Holidays, Ltd (www.wildernesslanka.com)
is devoted to promoting eco-tourism in Sri Lanka. Their facility - Ella
Adventure Park is a haven for nature lovers and eco-adventure seekers. Wild
Holidays also produces the Kit Challenge Adventure Race in Sri Lanka.
Members of the press are encouraged to become part of the Sri Lanka
Adventure Quest. For more information about the Quest, visit
www.srilankaadventurequest.com.
Requests for additional information, interviews with competitors and/or race
organizers may be directed to Barry Siff of MountainQuest Adventures at
303.442.0041 or email
barrysiff@comcast.net.
Link to this story online:
http://www.xpresspress.com/news/srilankaquest_011404.html
Edited by Dave Shultz
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