SOURCE: MountainQuest Adventures

30 International Adventure Racing Teams to Compete During First Sri Lanka Adventure Quest March 31-April 4, 2004

Team Nike ACG of the United States and Team Seagate from New Zealand Among Those Vying for Portion of the $50,000 Purse

Boulder, Co. - January 14, 2004 (Xpress Press) - Following years of political turmoil and civil unrest, Sri Lanka will open its arms on March 31 to competitors from around the world for the first Sri Lanka Adventure Quest (www.srilankaadventurequest.com).

Organized by Wild Holidays, Ltd., and sponsored by Sri Lankan Airlines, Odel and the Sri Lanka Tourism Board, the race has already attracted many of the best multi-sport racers from around the world. Competitors will test their abilities and discover their souls, as they explore Sri Lanka while trail running and mountain biking, paddling rivers and lakes, abseiling off steep cliffs through waterfalls, and going underground to explore caves. Along the way, competitors will discover the rich spiritual history of Sri Lanka by learning about the landmarks they will see.

“The Sri Lanka Adventure Quest provides an excellent means to showcase the beauty and richness of Sri Lanka,” says Paddy Withana, Sri Lanka Tourist Board Chairman.

“Sri Lanka is already a popular sun, sand, and sea destination, and the Sri Lanka Adventure Quest fits with our goal to showcase the lesser known gems of our country ­ the cultural and natural beauty that lends itself to an adventure-filled experience.”

The Sri Lanka Adventure Quest will challenge 30 international coed teams of four over five days. The two top adventure racing teams in the world, Team Nike ACG of the United States, and Team Seagate from New Zealand, will be among the teams competing for a portion of the $50,000 prize purse. On each of the five days of competition, teams will race for between six to 12 hours, with one day lasting up to 30 hours and taking many teams through the night.

“The race is designed to create a delicate balance between speed, endurance, and teamwork,” says Race Director, Barry Siff of MountainQuest Adventures (Boulder, Colorado). A world-class adventure racer himself, Siff brings experience and insight to the position.

Sri Lanka, called one of the most beautiful islands in the world by Marco Polo, has endured many years of civil unrest. Now, with peace at home, chief organizer of the event, Vijitha Welikala of Wild Holidays, Ltd, sees the event as a way to regain its status as a wonderful destination spot; but, also, “to expose the Sri Lankan youth to the amazing treasures and adventure opportunities that exist within our own borders.”

Wild Holidays, Ltd (www.wildernesslanka.com) is devoted to promoting eco-tourism in Sri Lanka. Their facility - Ella Adventure Park ­ is a haven for nature lovers and eco-adventure seekers. Wild Holidays also produces the Kit Challenge Adventure Race in Sri Lanka.

Members of the press are encouraged to become part of the Sri Lanka Adventure Quest. For more information about the Quest, visit www.srilankaadventurequest.com.

Requests for additional information, interviews with competitors and/or race organizers may be directed to Barry Siff of MountainQuest Adventures at 303.442.0041 or email barrysiff@comcast.net.

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