On August 10-20, 2015, an extraordinary group of kiters including Dr. Nick Cole, Alex Unsworth, Richard Hatherall, Susi Mai, Jesse Richman, Greg Norman Jr. and Phil Barton, will attempt to kitesurf 1,000km along the Great Barrier Reef.
‘Kite the Reef’ will be the first ever Great Barrier Reef crossing by kiteboard as well as a world record attempt for the longest kite journey ever undertaken. The organizers at ‘Kite the Reef’ have two goals, to raise awareness of the Great Barrier Reef as well as to raise funds for Motor Neuron Disease.
With 3000 individual reefs and 900 islands, The Great Barrier Reef is one of the Earth’s greatest and most beautiful natural wonders. Under threat from coastal development, reduced water quality, overfishing, climate change and large scale mining activities, ‘Kite the Reef’ aims to push for greater protection of the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest reef system.
All proceeds raised for this event will directly benefit Motor Neuron Disease research. Motor Neuron Disease, commonly referred to as MND, is a neurological disorder that destroys motor neurons, the cells that control voluntary muscle activity such as talking, walking, breathing and swallowing. MND is an incurable form of progressive neurodegeneration and can affect the average person at any time. Currently, there is no cure. However, Dr. Nick Cole and his research team are on a mission to understand and cure MND. Currently, their progressive research uses the zebrafish to investigate its causes. Click here for more information on Dr. Nick’s research.
With recent advances, a treatment is in within their grasp but scientists, equipment and genome sequencing needs funding. All donations from ‘Kite the Reef’ will go directly to Dr. Nick’s research and a search for the cure to MND.
For more information on this iconic adventure visit: www.kitethereef.org