Kota Kinabalu Wingsuit Jump for Coalition Duchenne

Kota Kinabalu region’s first ever wingsuit flights will take place as part of the fourth annual Expedition Mt Kinabalu to be held August 15-17. The Expedition Mt Kinabalu is annualy organized by Coalition Duchenne to raise awareness about Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the most common fatal childhood genetic disease. International team of over 100 will first climb the mountain and then watch the two wingsuit pilots jumping from a helicopter some 200 meters above Mt Kinabalu´s peak. Mysterious mountain environment and extremely challenging wingsuit jumping attempts both promise a truly massive spectacle. What's more, for a good cause!

12. 8. 2014

Current organizers´ plans actually count with climbing Mt Kinabalu ( Find the place on the map of Adrex.com Locations... ), on the exotic island of Borneo, in the Malaysian state of Sabah, which will be accompanied by two wingsuit flights of a duo BASE jumpers. One will be the first ever flight in the state of Sabah and will be from a helicopter above Kota Kinabalu. The wingsuit pilots will cross the sky above the city and land at a selected public location. Their names are certainly well known to you as they both rank among the most experienced in the world. The first is Australian Chris “Douggs” McDougall, a world champion wingsuit pilot and BASE jumper and the second is an American wingsuit legend Scotty Bob.

Coalition Duchenne has worked in collaboration with Squirrel, a manufacturer of wingsuits, to develop a bright red Coalition Duchenne wingsuit, which has been worn by wingsuit pilots around the world to promote awareness for Duchenne.

The annual event raises awareness about Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the most common fatal childhood genetic disease. It has become a showcase of both Sabah’s natural treasures and community kindness, and is organized by Sabahan Catherine Jayasuriya, the founder and executive director of international charity Coalition Duchenne. Jayasuriya founded Coalition Duchenne in 2011 to raise global awareness for Duchenne muscular dystrophy and to fund research and to find a cure for Duchenne.

The expedition featured in her 2013 award winning documentary Dusty’s Trail: Summit of Borneo. Capturing the essence of the event, Sir Ranulph Fiennes, the Guinness World Record Greatest Living Explorer said, “Boys with Duchenne have challenges even I cannot imagine and this climb is a great way to celebrate their spirit”.

WHAT IS DUCHENNE?

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a progressive muscle wasting disease. It is the most common fatal disease that affects children. It occurs in 1 in 3,500 male births, across all races, cultures and countries. It can happen to anyone. Duchenne is caused by a defect in the gene that codes for the protein dystrophin. Dystrophin is a vital protein that helps connect the muscle fiber to the cell membranes. Without dystrophin the muscle cells become unstable, are weakened and lose their functionality.

They will climb and fly for all the brave and courageous boys and young men around the world who face far greater challenges than any mountain peak!