South Pole Allied Challenge Expedition Announcement
General Tom Lawson, Chief of the Defence Staff, greeted His Excellency as he arrived at National Defence Headquarters on April 19, 2013.
Fri, 04/19/2013 - 12:00 Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall GG2013-0155-001
His Excellency and General Lawson met with the Canadian Forces participants, Corporal Alexandre Beaudin-D’Anjou (left) and Master Corporal Chris Downey (right) prior to the announcement.
Fri, 04/19/2013 - 12:00 Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall GG2013-0155-004
"As commander-in-chief, I am inspired by the courage and determination of men and women who are striving to recover, to rehabilitate, and to reintegrate after being injured," said His Excellency. "This expedition reminds us of that determination. I wish the very best to both of our participants, and to each of you who is bravely soldiering on."
Fri, 04/19/2013 - 12:00 Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall GG2013-0155-006
"We are very proud of the two Soldier On participants who will represent Canada as members of Team Commonwealth during this historic expedition, said General Lawson. "Master Corporal Downey and Corporal Beaudin D’Anjou demonstrate degrees of perseverance that serve as an inspiration for all of us."
Fri, 04/19/2013 - 12:00 Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall GG2013-0155-007
General Thomas Lawson, Chief of the Defence Staff, Corporal Alexandre Beaudin-D’Anjou, Master Corporal Chris Downey and His Excellency posed for the media following the formal announcement. The South Pole Allied Challenge expedition will see three teams of ill and injured servicemen and women race to the South Pole. With His Royal Highness Prince Harry serving as the patron of the expedition, ill and injured serving and former military personnel from the Commonwealth (Australia and Canada), the United Kingdom and the United States will embark on a grueling challenge from November to December 2013.
Fri, 04/19/2013 - 12:00 Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall GG2013-0155-011