Eagles DE Chris Long to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro to raise awareness for water scarcity
14 February 2018 Eagles News
After just winning the Super Bowl, Eagles defensive end Chris Long is not taking a break. For some, the party is still on, but for Chris Long is it time to give back. Long, joined by former Seattle Seahawk and Green Beret Nate Boyer will be hiking Africa’s tallest mountain, Mt. Kilimanjaro, to raise awareness for water scarcity.
“The goal of Conquering Kili is to empower former NFL players and military combat veterans to continue their commitment to service and bettering communities by climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro and raising funds to build sustainable water wells.
Each year, a new Conquering Kili class accepts the challenge to embark for the summit, a walk that represents the miles that many African women journey on a daily basis to fetch water for their families. While training to reach the summit, each team member works to raise funds so that communities can be transformed through the gift of clean water. To date, Conquering Kili team members from 2016 and 2017 have raised more than $275,000 and built four wells in Tanzania.
Together, the Conquering Kili class of 2018 aims to raise $150,000 and fund two new wells in Tanzania. The 2018 climb will take place February 16-26, 2018.” (https://waterboys.org/kili/)
There has not been a player in the NFL as active as Long in using his platform to better the world. Long has done things to help education in the United States, help the water problem in Africa and more. He has been a fearless leader on the field and an inspirational leader off of it. Those are the types of players you feel proud to say are a part of your organization as a fan, player, coach, and owner. He does so many good things off the field and really sets an example for every player in the league.
In the next two days, Long will be taking on a journey to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro. The hike will take about ten days. To donate to his cause, please visit The Chris Long Foundation and the Conquering Kili page.
Photo Credit: Getty Images