Double Olympic Champion and charity founder Dame Kelly Holmes will run, cycle and kayak across Malawi in support of improving nutrition – and is looking for 20 teammates to join her.

The October 2018 trip will launch Sport With a Purpose.  This new initiative from the sustainable travel company Orbis Expeditions will raise awareness of local development issues.

Dame Kelly says of the epic challenge that is ahead of her:

“I am very excited to be leading a team in Malawi on the 6th October 2018. The mix of physical activities, a fab challenge and cultural experiences will just be amazing.”

The cause for 2018’s Sport With a Purpose expedition is Street Chef, a start-up which aims to provide more nutritious food for Malawians, using locally sourced ingredients cooked in an environmentally friendly way.

Food security remains a serious issue for Malawians. The 2017 Global Hunger Index stated that over a quarter of the country’s population are undernourished, equalling over 4 and a half million people struggling for a balanced diet.

Not only is this holding back the economic development of “the warm heart of Africa”, but in severe cases leads to stunting, disease and even starvation.

Orbis Expeditions founder Kate Webb says of the challenge:

“We are excited to be working with Dame Kelly Holmes this year to promote our Sport With A Purpose Expeditions to Malawi, designed to offer incredible challenges while raising awareness for key initiatives in Malawi – this year we’re focusing on the link between nutrition and economic empowerment.”

“We aim for The Orbis Challenge to run annually and, in its unique Orbis style, offer a chance for people to come and appreciate the beauty of Malawi while giving part of their expedition time to skills exchange and in the support of local development initiatives.”

Dame Kelly is now searching for teammates to join her for the 7-day expedition. The group will visit community initiatives in between a 25km run up Mount Mulanje, a 30km or 55km cycle across Zomba Plateau and a 20km kayak on the stunningly beautiful Lake Malawi.

Applicants should have a high level of fitness, matched by passion, determination and a sense of adventure!

For more information about the expedition or to book a place, go to http://www.orbis-expeditions.com/blog/dame-kelly-holmes-the-orbis-challenge-2018/ or email [email protected].