National Geographic Live! Presents Mountaineer Ed Viesturs Himalayan Quest at Mesa Arts Center 10/28

The 2009-2010 National Geographic Live Arizona speaker series, sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, begins with America's most acclaimed mountaineer. Ed Viesturs, will appear at Mesa Arts Center Wednesday, October 28 at 7:30 p.m. in the Ikeda Theater. Viesturs' amazing stories of determination and accomplishment set the tone for this remarkable series that continues to inspire audiences year after year. Tickets are available through the Mesa Art Center Box Office at mesaartscenter.com or by calling 480-644-6500.

Called "the ultimate climbing machine" by Men's Journal, preeminent alpinist Ed Viesturs has successfully ascended Mount Everest seven times,mostly recently in May 2008. In 2005, he completed an even more ambitious feat: a 16-year quest to climb the 14 highest mountains in the world without supplemental oxygen. He named this goal Endeavor 8000, since each of these Himalayan peaks exceeds 8,000 meters. Viesturs became the first American as well as the fifth person in the world to accomplish this.

Viesturs' bold spirit and thrilling adventures have become a beacon of inspiration to people of all ages and walks of life. After the completion of his memoir, No Shortcuts to the Top, Viesturs was asked if his book was written as a business tool to which he simply replied "no". Instead Viesturs uses his experiences on the mountain to depict a goal-achieving mindset that can be applied to all walks of life: home, relationships, school, community, and work.

National Geographic and Mesa Arts Center will also present companion events for area students and educators. Each of the four speakers featured in the evening series will present a matinee performance specifically geared to students (primarily middle school students). Lessons plans and other related materials are available in preparation for the events. Schools may register on a first-come, first-served basis for these matinees at www.nglive.org/arizona.

 

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