July, 2010 -
After
an intense two month
search for the US’s next great adventurer, South African Tourism has
today unveiled the face of its Adventure campaign – Ben Lewis, a 42 year
old from Olympia, Washington, who will join six others from around the
world on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure odyssey to South Africa.
Since
May this year, South African Tourism, in conjunction with National
Geographic Channel, has been looking for outdoor-types from across the
US to give one lucky winner the chance to win a seven day trip of a
lifetime to South Africa, following an action-packed itinerary including
activities such as trekking, surfing, wildlife tracking, canoeing, quad
biking, bush walking, safari, bungee jumping, paragliding, diving and
hot air ballooning.
“I
am thrilled that National Geographic Channel and South African Tourism
have selected me as the US Ambassador for “Adventurers Wanted”. I look
forward to South Africa’s beauty, culture and excitement, and sharing
those adventures with my friends, my family and my country” said Ben.
The
competition has helped to highlight some of the more active pursuits
that are available in South Africa to
travellers
looking for anything from gentle walking or cycling to pushing
themselves to the limits with some of the most challenging adventures in
the World.
Ben,
and the six other shortlisted finalists, titled the “tribe”, faced a
judging panel made up of representatives from South African Tourism and
the National Geographic Channel editorial and production teams to make
sure the process was fair and equitable.
All
entrants to the search were asked to upload a short paragraph and photo
to a dedicated website on why they think they should have been chosen
for the trip, demonstrating a thirst for adventure and a true desire to
visit South Africa.
Ben
will have the opportunity to share his experiences via multi-media
platforms, including video diaries and blog updates on the website,
during and after his trip.
"Ben
is the consummate adventurer and we are excited to have him experience
all that South Africa has to offer. There is no doubt that his spirit,
sense of adventure and ability to communicate his experiences will make
him the ideal Adventure Ambassador for South Africa in the USA” says
Sthu Zungu, US Country Manager for South African Tourism.
Along with a National Geographic Channel camera crew, the
tribe will be going to South Africa later this year following an
action-packed itinerary including activities from safari to bungee
jumping.
To find out more about Ben and the rest of the 2010
Tribe please visit
www.adventuresouthafrica.net/us/adventurer_found
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