Sir Edmond Hillary and Tenzing Norgay stood on the summit of Everest sixty years ago and on Wednesday local climbers took a moment to remember their own ascent to the top of the world.
It was just before noon on May 29, 1953 when the pair reached the peak of Mount Everest and since then thousands of people have followed in their footsteps.
The event was commemorated in Nepal where those who braved the harshest conditions to reach the peak were celebrated.
The event was also recognized at Canada's Sports Hall of Fame with the unveiling of a new exhibit.
The Everest Exhibit features the climbing gear of Calgary climber Dave Rodney who was the first Canadian to summit the mountain twice, back in 1999 and again in 2001.
“I was so inspired by the fact that two gentlemen, Norgay and Hillary, got to the top. It was an absolutely astounding feat that many thought was impossible, but I have to tell you, I was even more inspired by the fact that when they returned, they gave back,” said Rodney.
The items are on loan from Rodney but the Hall of Fame is hoping this will spark a permanent exhibit of all the Canadians who have conquered the famous mountain.
“There's a number of Canadians that have climbed Everest and I think now that the Everest exhibit is here, it's a perfect opportunity to bring all of those Canadians together to help celebrate it, and we certainly hope that can happen,” said Mario Siciliano from Canada's Sports Hall of Fame.
“It’s still the same mountain and it still takes many lives,” said Rodney. “I’m sure almost every climber was inspired by Hillary, Norgay or some mountaineer from the past and what I really hope is that they take those conversations that they have at base camp with teammates from around the world and they bring back their experiences. They share what they have learned so that others can glean from that knowledge and climb their mountains in life.”
The Everest Exhibit is open to the public at until August 31st.
(With files from Kevin Fleming)
