BY MARK MCKELVEY
m.mckelvey@ulsterherald.com
THERE are some opportunities that come along once in a while that you simply find impossible to refuse. That was the case this week when I received an e-mail from Mencap, challenging 12 people from the Omagh and Tyrone area to undertake an Arctic adventure.
Each intrepid challenger will take charge of their own team of spirited huskies and will be responsible for feeding, harnessing and looking after these magnificent animals whilst travelling across snow covered mountains, through spectacular forests and over frozen lakes. With temperatures potentially falling as low as –30C, this is the ultimate sub zero adventure.
Within ten seconds of reading this description of what was in store, I had rung Mencap's Events Project Manager Grace O'Neill and signed myself up for this sled challenge over 200 kilometres across the arctic wilds of Norway in March 2008.
Grace who herself has experienced a similar challenge in Sweden, described this Arctic adventure, "This is a tough yet fascinating physical and mental journey. Participants will receive expert guidance on how to handle and look after their team of dogs and how to navigate their sled through some of the world's most exceptional terrain in the extreme cold. Sledding is demanding but also a lot of fun so while your physical endurance will be tested to the maximum you are guaranteed to have the adventure of your life.
"The scenery is unrivalled as you sled through one of earth's unspoilt frozen wildernesses. With snow as far as the eye can see, the occasional encounter with the traditional Sami people and the indigenous Arctic wildlife you will return from this adventure feeling that you have experienced a civilisation that most people have only read about."
Participants might also catch sight of the Northern Lights in the evening and have the chance to visit Norway's only ice hotel.
I have already notched up 18 items on the BBC's '50 things to do before you die' list and with this challenge offering a rare opportunity to potentially strike two of the most difficult off the list; Husky sledding and to experience first hand the wonderment of the 'Aurora Borealis', I simply couldn't refuse.
By signing up to Mencap's Husky Sled Challenge you will also be raising money for a fabulous cause and making a very special contribution to the lives of people with a learning disability in the North.
If you would like any further information on the Mencap Husky Sled Challenge including information on registration and minimum sponsorship please Tel: 028 9069 0156 or e-mail; Grace.O'Neill@mencap.org.uk.
