The Seven Summits are the highest mountains of each of the seven continents – Kilimanjaro, Denali, Elbrus, Aconcagua, Carstensz Pyramid, Vinson and Everest. Summiting them all is regarded as a mountaineering challenge and Jean-Paul Richard is up to the task.

Mr. Richard, a navy student at the Marine Institute and an outdoor enthusiast, plans to conquer each summit, starting with Aconcagua in South America.

On Dec. 13, he heads to South America to take on the highest peak of the Andes and South America, and the highest point outside of Asia at 6,962 metres (22,841 feet) high. His group will start the trek on Dec. 15 with the goal of summiting around Christmas Day.

Why take on such a feat? Mr. Richard explains his purpose for the climb is two-fold.

“Everyone has goals that they set for themselves in life and mine have always been physical,” he said. “I wanted to extend this physical challenge to myself but at the same time, I’m climbing to raise awareness of and promote the Soldier On program.”

The Soldier On program was created in 2007 with collaboration from the Canadian Paralympic Committee. It assists injured soldiers by delivering services that support their full and active participation in physical activities, recreation or sport. The program promotes and supports the return to military service and is accomplished through close working relations with the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Forces.

“The Soldier On program hits close to home for me being involved in the military and having served overseas on missions,” said Mr. Richard. “I firmly believe that physical activity is one of the first steps in rehabilitating people. This program gets them focusing on what they can do, instead of what they can’t.

“This climb is intended to inspire others to become more physically active while at the same time bring some much deserved attention to this great program.”

Mr. Richard is no stranger to testing his limits. A self-proclaimed physical activity junkie, he regularly rock-climbs, mountain bikes, hikes, and trail runs.

“I feel that I am ready to tackle this mountain. I’ve climbed mountains out west but this will be my first climb of that height. Physically, I know I’m ready but it’s whether or not I will be able to acclimatize to the altitude.”

As he gears up for this exciting chapter in his life, he offers some advice to anyone who believes that conquering mountains is out of their reach.

“How do you know if you never try? Everyone has limitations but the key is to overcome them and realize that you can do anything you put your mind too. Challenge yourself and I’m sure you’ll be surprised with the outcome.

“That’s the message I want to convey. You have to say ‘I will do that’, not ‘I want to do that’ and whatever your Everest may be, you can conquer it.”

Mr. Richard will be holding a public presentation on his upcoming climbing adventure and the Soldier On program at Hampton Hall at the Marine Institute on Nov. 13 from 1-2 p.m. 

To find out more or to donate, visit www.cfsoldieron.ca.