I don't believe in disappointment, only new opportunity!
There are 2 parts to the funding I need for my expedition - the "enabling" and the "activation". Clearly, the "enabling" funding needs to come first and covers the expedition costs. The "activation" funding is crucial in maximising the potential of the expedition, especially for sponsor and community return.
The later the enabling funding is secured the less time there is for expedition preparation and ice training. Once the enabling funding is in place, the activation funding is much easier to secure
That's the framework for today, so what does it mean?
I have not been able to secure the enabling funding in time for my expedition to go ahead in 2011. I am confident, however, that it will be secured this year so affording me the luxury of a year to go, fully funded, for a 2012 expedition.
So what is the impact of this?
Being positive;
- I have an extra year of fitness and team development
- I have an extra year to secure and maximise the "activation" funding
- Fully funded, we will be able to properly plan a series of "ice training" events.
- Our drive to maximise the impact of technology can now be fully exploited
- We can fully engage with our education partner - Eco-Schools
- We can maximise all our sponsor returns
- We will work on new sponsors and re-engage with those that could not get onboard for a 2011 exped
- We can plan an 18 month "activation" program
- We can maximise the filming potential of the expedition
- I can go off to New Zealand to watch the Rugby World Cup next week without great pangs of guilt!
If I had to look at the negative impact, then;
- I have to wait yet another year to get on the ice - again!
There is an expression saying that "All good things come to those that wait"... Hmm.... I have never been very good at that!
Thank you once again for all your support. Let's rally the troops for a big shove and let's enjoy the journey.
Hurrah
Manley
Posts
