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THE CHALLENGE
Mario recently completed a traverse of the Turks & Caicos Islands using only human-powered propulsion which included; swimming, cycling, kayaking, running and hiking. accompanying Mario across the oceanic waters was Chev Dixon, completing 3 crossing including the Turks & Caicos passage, making them the first to have ever crossed it. Mario completed the entire challenge by crossing over the 8 main islands on May 4 which took him 5 days. This was an incredible athletic feat that has never been recorded before making Mario the first to have ever completed the entire traverse. As a native of the islands, Mario raised money and donated all proceeds to the Mario Rigby Eco-Adventure Program in collaboration with the Turks & Caicos Reef Fund while showcasing the beauty, diversity and landscape of Turks and Caicos Islands. Chev Dixon raised money for his charity called the Hudson River Riders which gives young people and adults from disadvantaged neighborhoods the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities in New York. While taking on this extraordinary challenge Mario and Chev are committed to giving back to their communities and sharing their adventures globally to show that possibilities are endless and dreams can become reality. |
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JOIN THE COMMUNITY challenge
The Caicos Challenge club on Strava is a community hub where you can share your tips and tricks for training, ask a question to Mario or others in the club and win prizes for your efforts.
Participants can complete a leg before or during Mario’s expedition, matching their distance, time and activity with his in their own backyard. Whether that means running up and down the stairs, hopping in a kayak, or hitting a local park: the choice is yours! The dashboard will track progress and include notifications with updates of Mario’s progress throughout his expedition, allowing his community to join this challenge and match their fitness efforts with his in real time. Each leg of the challenge will be posted in the app and start at the same time as Mario starts his. They will remain open for anyone who wants to take part in the challenge, even if they don’t start on day one. Those who take part will be added to the leaderboard and will have the opportunity to be featured on Mario’s social media. Will you take the number one spot? |
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Image credit: Turks & Caicos Magazine
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DETAILS OF THE EXPEDITIONThe Caicos Challenge is a gruelling 5 day expedition that covers all eight of Turks & Caicos' main islands. The entire challenge will be done solo by Mario using only human-powered propulsion which includes; swimming, biking, kayaking, running and hiking. This will be an athletic feat that has never been recorded before making Mario the first to ever do so.
Mario's background in athletics (competing in the 200/400 metre sprints) for Turks & Caicos, along with his previous feats (cycling across North America, walking the entire length of Africa and kayaking the great lakes in Canada and Malawi) gives Mario a solid foundation to successfully complete this expedition. While doing these grandeur projects Mario also keeps sustainable development and social impact as the driving force behind his expeditions. Mario hopes to raise awareness for organizations that are already helping lead the way in sustainability for local and global communities. As a native of the islands, Mario wants to showcase the beauty, diversity and landscape of Turks and Caicos. He will take his global audience on a journey of sustainability & social impact as he traverses the eight islands. While taking on this extraordinary challenge Mario is committed to giving back to his community and sharing the stories of the people, places and possibilities along his journey. |
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTFollowing some incredible exploration challenges around the globe, Mario feels it’s time to return home and take on his greatest challenge yet by traversing the Turks and Caicos islands while showcasing the beauty that rests within these diverse landscapes. This is the perfect opportunity to spotlight the importance of maintaining the precious natural resources of his home. Focusing on the marine environment with its spectacular coral reef system and shining a light on local organizations implementing successful eco initiatives. Additionally Mario would like to help push the drive towards self-sustainability by educating the youth throughout the islands and providing them with the resources to start tackling these issues as a community.
Mario’s message of a sustainable future for all started in Turks and Caicos and has taken him around the world. He has addressed global climate change issues at the United Nations and continues to use his platform to educate and promote sustainable and responsible travel and lifestyle choices. |
Image credit: Turks & Caicos Magazine
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MARINE LIFEThe decisions we make will ultimately affect life on earth, which affect us. This expedition will showcase life in Turks.
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CLIMATE CHANGEAs Mario traverses the Turks & Caicos he will explore how climate change has affected this region.
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SUSTAINABILITYIn order to continue living in this gem of a nation we must learn to live sustainably.
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Image credit: Turks & Caicos Magazine
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ROUTE DESCRIPTIONS
First Leg - Kayak from Salt Cay to Grand Turk Second Leg - Kayak from Grand Turk across Columbus Passage to South Caicos Third Leg - Hike South Caicos to East Caicos Fourth Leg - Cycling along North Caicos and Middle Caicos Fifth Leg - Traverse the small cays to Providenciales Sixth Leg - Stand-up paddle board across the mangroves Seventh Leg - Run the entire length of Providenciales Eighth Th Leg - Kayaking from Providenciales to West Caicos Total distance - 225km Duration - 5 - 6 days Islands - 7 Inhabited / 3 Cays Kayaking - 65 km (Columbus passage / West Caicos to Providenciales) Running - 30km (Providenciales) Swimming - (Swimming across narrow channels) Hiking - (West Caicos + South Caicos) Cycling - 68 km (North + Middle Caicos) |
