Youth climber Matt Moniz selected as 2010 Adventurer of the Year

Many young people do incredible things and make goals for themselves to reach their full potential. Matt Moniz, 12-years-old, is one of those young individuals that have amazing stamina and has tackled phenomenal feats as a climber and a pre-teen. Moniz, who is also a Mountain Hardware athlete, was just selected as one of ten 2010 National Geographic Adventure’s (NGA) Adventurer of the Year.

The adventure that Moniz is being recognized is his 50-50 Expedition in which he summitted the 50 U.S. high points in just 43 days. He accomplished this with his climbing partner and father, Mike. This makes Moniz the youngest to complete this challenge and the record holder for speed.

It all started when Matt was only 9-years-old. His dad was doing an expedition to the Mount Everest Base Camp when his friend dropped out at the last minute, so Matt took his spot. Matt didn’t have any mountaineering experience whatsoever, but he completed the expedition and ended up having the time of his life. He was immediately hooked. The following year Matt climbed Kilimanjaro and Russia’s Elbrus. Moniz summitted Aconcagua at 22,481 feet after he turned 10-years-old.

Some pre-teens may boast at these accomplishments, but Matt is more interested in using it in a positive aspect to encourage youth to get outdoors. With the major advances in technology just in the past few years, many children choose to stay indoors glued to a TV screen or playing computer/video games. He has hopes that his work as an ambassador for the Outdoor Nation will give inspiration to kids to get outside and be actively healthy.

Besides being an Outdoor Nation ambassador to promote and inspire kids to get outside more often, Matt has also done other things to give back through his climbing. He and his dad summitted 14 of Colorado’s 14,000-foot peaks in eight days to raise money and awareness for his best friend, Iain Hess, who suffers from a rare disease called Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. Iain has to constantly work for breath, similar to someone climbing on an 8,000-foot peak, even if he’s just sitting on the couch. Matt and his father were able to raise more than $25,000 for PAH research. His determination to make a difference paid off, and this was all done during his summer vacation in 2009.

Matt Moniz is an excellent example when it comes to determination and compassion. He is a very positive influence for children and adults with his mature attitude and reasons on why he climbs and accomplishes the things that he does.

No matter how old you are, if you have a passion for something or want to reach a goal, put your mind to it, and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it. With the right attitude, determination and support, you will be surprised at what you can achieve.

You can vote for Matt Moniz to be your favorite adventurer of the year until January 15, 2011. The People’s Choice Adventurer of the Year will be announced in February 2011.

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