Adventurer Dan Martin plans Atlantic swim to support children in developing countries
Last updated 2/3/2010 10:34:32 AM
Adventurer Dan Martin plans Atlantic swim to support children in developing countries
He describes himself as "part athlete, part adventurer, part charitable machine" – he might also say "part bonkers". But there's no doubting Dan Martin's good intentions as he attempts to become the first man in history to swim the Atlantic.
On May 8th Dan will embark on his biggest journey to date, as he attempts a Global Triathlon – swimming, cycling and running around the world, plus that awesome 5700km swim.
"It's three and a half thousand miles of cold, deep, dangerous water," Dan explains. "There are huge waves, massive storms systems, hurricanes, icebergs, strong currents, sharks, poisonous jellyfish and heavy shipping traffic. I have to get into the water day after day for up to four months. Some ships can't even do it, let alone a guy with a raggedy beard."
Dan does all of his adventures in the name of his charity, the Dan Martin Foundation - a charity specifically designed to help under-privileged children around the globe. The foundation is focused on providing education in the remotest parts of the developing world. And education is at the heart of his latest adventure.
"I need teachers, I need schools," Dan says. "I'm looking to find one hundred schools in the UK, 100 schools on my route and 100 schools from round the world. The plan is to broadcast live - or nearly live - into assemblies from various points on my trip ranging from the Atlantic to Alaska and from Siberia to New York.
"I think kids seeing this kind of trip first hand will be a great inspiration for them and also an excellent vehicle for highlighting first hand some of the most pressing environmental issues in the world today including climate change, ocean pollution, over fishing and urban over population."
If you think you can help Dan, email him at: dan@danmartinextreme.com
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