Game on | by Mike Savicki photography by Glenn Roberson

On Higher ground Area Rotarians prepare for an epic climb to promote a life-saving cause

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t looms above Tanzanian soil standing an imposing 19,340 feet. With five different climate zones including a tropical rain forest, a high desert and a glacier, it is the tallest freestanding mountain in the world, a high mountain in the truest sense of the word. It is Mt. Kilimanjaro. A group of lake-area Rotarians will soon join 25 other climbers assembled from across Rotary

District 7680 on an early September fundraising and awareness expedition to the roof of Africa. They are aware of the unpredictable nature of the mountain and believe the combined strength of their team will give them the edge they need. “They say this is the hardest thing you will ever do,” says Rich Sampson, expedition team member from the Lake Norman-Huntersville Rotary Club. “It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for anyone who wants a challenge, but I look at it as more of an opportunity to be a part of something greater than what I might ever do on my own.” An avid mountain hiker, Sampson cherishes his time in the outdoors and has a strong hiking

Lake Norman Currents | April 2012

From left, Lake-area Rotarians Karen Lawler, Bryan Anderson, Scott Melius, Bob Wilson, Ineke Van der Meulen and Rich Sampson will join 25 other climbers assembled from across Rotary District 7680 on an early September climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

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