March 8, 2006 – Expedition leader and Founder of the Pole to Pole Leadership Institute, Martyn Williams, announces the call for applicants for an international team of 18 – 28 year olds for Pole to Pole 2006 – an 18 month human-powered expedition from the South Pole to the North Pole traveling through Africa and Europe. This epic journey has never before been attempted along this route or under human power.

Williams states, “Throughout history great journeys have inspired whole societies and moved them to action. Epic journeys demonstrate the power of the human spirit to explore the unknown, face extreme obstacles, do the impossible, create change, and in doing so open new frontiers for others to follow.”

The goal of the Pole to Pole Institute’s upcoming 2006 Expedition is to bring attention to what young people are capable of accomplishing, and to inspire others worldwide to take up environmental, social and economic challenges in their communities and around the globe, with the knowledge that they can make a difference.

Three different categories of international teams will be selected from applicants around the world. Expedition Teams will make the Pole to Pole journey on foot, skis, bicycles, under sail, and in kayaks; Advance Teams will work with established charitable groups on social, environmental and sustainable economic projects; and Educational Teams will teach leadership and community involvement skills to world youth. The teams will be trained in British Columbia, Canada, and in the fall of 2006 will all launch when the first Expedition Team of 12 hits the ice in Antarctica. The second Expedition Team will take over the journey at Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa, in August of 2007. The Pole to Pole Expedition will be completed at the North Pole in the late spring of 2008.

This 18 month journey will set an example for youth around the world that they, like the Pole to Pole Teams, can take on huge challenges and, with training, personal leadership and perseverance, will succeed. “From my years as an expedition leader I know the power of the human spirit, what we are capable of and what we can accomplish,” states Williams. “The Pole to Pole Teams will raise the bar for world youth by challenging them to become leaders in their communities and global citizens in their thinking.”

Kevin Scott, President of the Pole to Pole Leadership Institute, adds, “The Pole to Pole Teams will inspire world youth as well as train and empower them to become leaders in their communities. With the tools and support provided by the Institute amazing things will be accomplished. Join us on this global odyssey, to make a difference in your life and the lives of millions all over the planet. This is without question one of the greatest opportunities for 18-28 year olds to discover what’s possible.”

This is the second expedition undertaken by the Institute. In 2000 the Pole to Pole Expedition Team 1 successfully completed a never before attempted journey from the North Pole to the South Pole through North and South America. The Pole to Pole Leadership Institute is a registered non-profit society.

www.poletopoleleadership.com