Team Ethos, together with its registered charity, Team Army, helps military sporting talent to succeed by funding sport, challenge and adventure in the Armed Forces community to improve health, wellbeing and discovery. The Team Army sports Foundation recently created the COVID Bounceback Fund to help Armed Forces groups and communities recover from the effects of the pandemic, encouraging Defence suppliers to offer their support. Amey is delighted to be able to take part in this important initiative by supporting Captain Preet Chandi as she plans an extraordinary expedition to trek unassisted to the South Pole this winter.
As a British born Indian Sikh, she will be the first Asian woman to undertake a solo expedition in Antarctica. Only a few female adventurers have previously completed unsupported treks in this environment and Preet is therefore aiming to make history as well as to inspire future generations. The journey will take approximately 45 days to complete. Preet will have to dig deep to endure dragging her pulk, a low-slung small sled, for 700 miles in hostile and dangerous terrain whilst battling wind speeds of up to 60mph and temperatures of -50C.
If Preet is successful in reaching the South Pole, she plans to return to Antarctica and attempt an unassisted crossing of the entire continent. This would catapult her into the history books as one of the greatest living explorers.
Maj General Lamont Kirkland, CEO Team Army said, “Preet has a unique and compelling backstory and is one of the most determined, tenacious and motivated women I have encountered. The world needs more adventurous women who see challenges not barriers and have the courage to pursue an idea. Team Army has a history of supporting Polar explorers so we are extremely proud to be supporting Preet on her historic and ambitious journey to the end of the earth.”
Tim Redfern, Amey’s Managing Director Defence, commented: “As a key provider to UK Defence it is important that we support initiatives that are close to the hearts of the communities in which we operate. By partnering with Team Ethos we’ve been given the unique opportunity to directly impact the lifestyle and wellbeing of Forces people. This truly is a unique challenge that not only demonstrates Preet’s sheer determination and bravery, but also helps to further promote the amazing work of our female military personnel; a subject that is extremely important to Amey.”
To prepare for the challenge Preet has completed expeditions in Norway and Greenland and is currently training under the management of Capt Lou Rudd, whom Team Army/Team Ethos supported on his solo crossing of Antarctica in 2018.
Find out more about this gruelling expedition at polarpreet.com