For Immediate Release
May 31, 2013
Contact Information

Bernadette Morris
Sonshine Communications
T: (305) 948-8063
E: bmorris@sonshine.com

(BPRW) City of Miami Gardens Youth Hike Everglades National Park in Support of African-American Mountain Climbers on Denali

(BLACK PR WIRE) – Miami Gardens, FL – In what is expected to be a historic moment for outdoor enthusiasts the world over, the first all African-American mountain climbing team is poised to attempt to summit the highest mountain on the North American continent, Mount Denali, Alaska. Sponsored by industry leader NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) of Lander, Wyoming, Expedition Denali is slated for June 8 – 29th, 2013. Thousands of miles away in South Florida, City of Miami Gardens youth will be taking part in the climb during Expedition Denali 10,000 Steps, Saturday June 8, 2013 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. in Everglades National Park.

The longest and most strenuous day on Denali will be the summit day, a five-mile (roughly 10,000 steps) round-trip summit attempt. As a show of unity and solidarity, more than 30 environmental organizations from around the country are teaming up to support the climbers by introducing young African-Americans to the outdoors in their own communities. City of Miami Gardens Parks & Recreation will rally youth to join EarthWise Productions, Inc. partnering with The National Parks Service, to host a hiking excursion in South Florida’s famed Everglades National Park along the Anhinga Trail.

Climbers in Alaska will be tested to their maximum endurance as they ascend 20,320-foot Denali. Reaching the top will place the African-American climbers among a miniscule number of people on the planet to attain that goal. At the same time, City of Miami Gardens youth will experience the challenges of navigating sawgrass marshes, exotic Florida wildlife and perhaps even coming up close and personal with alligators.

Research shows African-Americans benefit less than any other group from the outdoors, with fewer than seven percent of African-Americans utilizing or working in our National Parks and forests.

Expedition Denali 10,000 Steps is designed to bridge that gap by introducing young people to the value and benefits of the environment and outdoor pursuits. 10,000 Steps South Florida will expose some 80 young people, community leaders, educators and travel professionals to Everglades National Park as well as mountaineering.

City of Miami Gardens youth will have ground support from EarthWise Productions, Inc. leading the hike, Miami Gardens outdoor retailer Peter Glenn supplying sunscreen products, Blue Bell Ice Cream providing cool snacks, and Miami Gardens business DaBlock Designs outfitting youth in custom T-shirts.

For more information contact Julia Yarbough, Media Relations Specialist, City of Miami Gardens at jyarbough@miamigardens-fl.gov or (954) 383-1434.