Vail, Colorado videographer Andrew S. Bishop. Photograph courtesy Andrew Bishop.
The event is not just about competition and results, it's about having fun, the camaraderie and the long-lasting friendships that come out of an event like the Adventure TEAM Challenge.
Grand Junction, Colorado (PRWEB) December 06, 2013
The excitement and inspiration of World T.E.A.M. Sports’ annual Adventure TEAM Challenge in western Colorado comes alive in two new videos available through the non-profit's website.
Vail, Colorado videographer and river guide Andrew Bishop and New London, New Hampshire veteran athlete Harry Carr recently released short videos about the inclusive team event, held in the rugged McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area west of Grand Junction in mid-September.
Featuring teams of five athletes, two of whom must have disabilities; one being a wheelchair user, the Challenge sends participants on a two-day course through the high Colorado Plateau. Teams raft the Colorado River, mountain bike sandy single and double track, hike desert trails and rappel down high sandstone cliffs.
“The Adventure TEAM Challenge is definitely about adventure, so I obviously wanted that to come through in the video,” explained Bishop. “The most important aspect is the team work. Everything is dependent on how well the team functions, the better the team work the better the outcome and result. But the event is not just about competition and results, it's about having fun, the camaraderie and the long-lasting friendships that come out of an event like the Adventure TEAM Challenge.”
Carr, an Air Force veteran with a service-related neurological issue that affects his balance and creates a visual impairment, participated in his first Challenge this year. “Although I spent a lot of time on the ground and walking, the mountain biking and desert cycling part of the Challenge was a huge confidence builder and accomplishment,” he reports. Owing to the rugged back country terrain, Carr rode an upright bicycle rather than his usual hand cycle – the first time he has done so in 15 years.
Using a chest-mounted GoPro video camera, Carr taped more than four hours of action during the two days of the Challenge. The result is visually-exciting footage that allows the viewer to experience the Challenge from the view of a participant.
Bishop recorded nearly six hours of video, which he edited down to his short feature. “The challenge of working with other people to complete such a hard course in such variable terrains” influenced his feature, Bishop reported. “More importantly, to meet such incredible people who have been through so much and for all of us to be pushed to our limits side by side, is a memorable experience that I hope I can have the chance to do again.”
A member of the Men's National Whitewater Rafting Team, Bishop travels the world representing the United States in competitions. Recognizing the lack of media coverage for the sport, he began bringing a camera to document the events. Through his work with Adventure TEAM Challenge sponsor Timberline Tours, he was invited to document the Colorado event.
“Getting the footage was a challenge. Being an athlete and trying to get the footage is no easy task, particularly when it involves mountain biking, rock climbing, running, hiking, and rafting,” Bishop said.
“My camera is always with me,” said Carr. “I will always try to capture those ‘great moments’ and create those memories through video.”
An annual participant of World T.E.A.M. Sports’ 110-mile Face of America bicycle ride from the Pentagon to Gettysburg, Carr is interested in additional events with the national non-profit. “I plan to participate, continue to challenge myself and be involved with them for a real long time,” he said.
“I hope I can continue to document adventure sports,” said Bishop. “I love capturing people’s experiences whether they be high’s, or low’s. They’re all great memories that create stories.”
The Adventure TEAM Challenge returns to Colorado September 12-14, 2014. Team registration for the event begins in early 2014.
