Hattrup (left) and Gutt (right) going over the edge

On August 13 and 14, a number of daring participants were permitted to rappel from the rooftop of Seattle’s 514 foot tall Rainier Tower in an effort to raise money for Special Olympics, Washington.

Nice day for a rappel

K2 Team Manager Mike Powell making friends with a Special Olympian Medalist

Among those who rappelled were K2 legendary skier Mike Hattrup, as well as Global Marketing Manager Mike Gutt, and US Sales Manager Ben Wallace.  Also rappelling were John O’Conner National Sales Director and Nigel Steere Helmet and Snowboard Binding Engineer.  On the microphone was K2’s Team Manager Mike Powell who acted as the event’s Master of Ceremonies from the observation deck below.

514 feet is no joke

Gorgeous sunny weather provided ideal conditions for participants to make the descent while spectators below watched and cheered for the tiny dots atop the tower as they gradually came into view. Traffic slowed and bystanders on the street were caught off guard, even pulling out personal cameras to snap pictures of the extraordinary sight. People at work inside the Rainier Tower gathered with their colleagues to peer out, as rappelling participants got up close and personal to the office windows.

Mike Hattrup and Mike Gutt hanging out together

Participants were animated, with mixtures of excitement and jangling nerves on display throughout the course of the day. Some even compared the experience’s adrenaline rush to that of paragliding.  Ben Wallace, K2’s US Sales Manager, said, “I probably didn’t give it the thought it deserved until I was standing on top of the building, and realized I was actually looking down at the Space Needle.   But, what a cool experience, and for such a good cause I was proud to have been involved.  And happy to be back on the ground.”

Over $182,000 was raised in this event to benefit the Special Olympics, and Ashley Stanfield, Development Director of Special Olympics Washington, couldn’t have been more thrilled.  "K2 Sports has been an incredible ambassador for the Special Olympics, and helped get over 100 people to rappel," she said.  "Mike Gutt was able to get (K2 Athlete) Mike Hattrup, who is very recognizable."

No, it's not Spiderman

You can still donate to Over the Edge. If you donate through K2 Sports, they will match the first $2,500 raised, here: www.firstgiving.com/k2sports

K2 is a proud supporter of Special Olympics, Washington

Also check out Special Olymics "NW Ride of Dreams" event in Ellensburg Aug. 28: www.nwrideofdreams.org which is also sponsored by K2 Sports, and law enforcement and others.

This entry was posted on Friday, August 20th, 2010 and is filed under Global News.