SNOWBOARDER GRETCHEN BLEILER NAMED AMONG NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ADVENTURE’S 2008 ADVENTURERS OF THE YEAR
WASHINGTON (Nov. 20, 2008)-The achievements of Gretchen Bleiler and 13 other adventurers have been recognized by National Geographic Adventure magazine. Bleiler and the other adventurers are highlighted in the December 2008/January 2009 issue of National Geographic Adventure (on newsstands Nov. 25), which features the most outstanding accomplishments for 2008 in the world of adventure, exploration, conservation and humanitarian work.
National Geographic Adventure organized a group of leaders in the world of adventure to serve on its advisory board for the nomination of this year’s top adventurers. Others recognized for their exceptional accomplishments are Rob Gauntlett and James Hooper, François Bon, Ashley Clements, Maroy Correa Estenós, Deia Schlosberg, Pemba Gyalje Sherpa, Benjamin Skinner, Kelly Slater, George Steinmetz, Sam Stime, Emma Stokes and Gregg Treinish.
“National Geographic Adventure is the ultimate guide to an active lifestyle. The heritage and credibility that we deliver inspires our readers to explore the world around them by immersing themselves in activities that will provide experiences for a life well lived. At the Adventurer of the Year event we recognize and honor those individuals who have made terrific achievements in 2008, as well as the gear, apparel and equipment that are at the leading edge of the outdoor world,” said National Geographic Adventure Associate Publisher Peter Fisher.
“I’m excited to be named as an Adventurer of the Year, and it’s an honor to be recognized among this amazing group of people,” said Gretchen Bleiler, “I was fortunate to be able to spend part of my last season snowboarding in the backcountry and in incredible locations around the world, and I hope to do more of that in the future.”
Presented by National Geographic Adventure magazine and South African Tourism, the Adventurer of the Year celebration will include video clips from the winners’ adventures, as well as music, food and entertainment. Raffle prizes include a trip for two to South Africa, courtesy of South African Airways and Intrepid Travel, and many items from the best gear of the year. Additional sponsors of the event are Crown Imports, GU, Headsweats, KHS Bicycles, Nature Valley, Oakley, Petzl, Redwood Creek, Salomon, Silver Joe’s Coffee, Smartwool and Yaktrax.
About National Geographic Adventure
National Geographic Adventure, winner of four National Magazine Awards, is the fastest-growing magazine in the outdoor category and the ultimate guide to the adventure lifestyle. Published 10 times a year, with a rate base of 600,000, National Geographic Adventure has 2.4 million readers. It is available by subscription (800-NGS-LINE) and on newsstands in the United States ($4.99) and Canada ($6.99). Its editorial mission supports National Geographic’s corporate global mission to inspire people to care about the planet. The magazine’s Web site is www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure.
About South African Tourism
South African Tourism is the organization mandated with the international tourism marketing activities of the country. For travel and tourism information on this world-class destination, the ideal place for both business and leisure, contact South African Tourism at 500 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2040, New York, N.Y., 10110; Tel: (212) 730-2929; Fax (212) 764-1980; email newyork@southafrica.net; or visit www.southafrica.net.