EOTC The William Pike Challenge
Sir Edmund Hillary is famously quoted as saying, “It is not the mountain that we conquer, but ourselves.” This sentiment became a personal reality for twenty-three year old William Pike on the evening of 25 September 2007 when he and his friend, James Christie, were caught in a lahar, triggered by volcanic activity, on the slopes of Mt Ruapehu. Trapped by rubble that had partially buried the Dome Shelter where they were spending the night, William had to fight the odds, willing himself to stay alive while his friend went for help, braving the unfamiliar terrain in the dark. Theirs is an inspiring story of tenacity and survival.
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DIO TODAY
You can read William’s amazing story in his book Every Day’s a Good Day. Even after losing his lower leg, William has turned personal suffering – and what some might regard as tragedy – into a positive outcome. He continues to be inspired by the wonderful environment in which we live, and actively participates in tramping, mountaineering, cycling, kayaking and diving. For William every day is indeed a good day. The William Pike Challenge Award (WPCA) is an outdoor, activity-based challenge programme available to schools. Dio is running the programme through 2013, which involved EOTC Week and with further activities throughout the school year. The WPCA website www.williampike.co.nz summarises the Award: Although called an award, the WPCA has more of a focus on the learner challenging themselves and participating in a journey of learning. Over the school year, the students’ journey is shared by peers, teachers, parents and the community through journals and online blogs; at ‘Dio shared through reflection activities’ and ‘My Portfolio’ which is available on the Dio Portal.