Colfe’s was delighted to welcome adventurer James Bingham to present the latest John Glyn Society lecture. Mr Bingham, founder of the Afghan Sports Trust, spoke to the audience about climbing Afghanistan’s highest mountain, Noshaq, and about humanitarian efforts in Afghanistan.
Combining climbing and adventure with a desire to extend human rights, Mr Bingham has had many adventures around the world, including the ascent of Afghanistan’s highest mountain, Noshaq, which he described as “tougher than Everest”.
Along with establishing the Afghan Sports Trust, he co-founded the Marathon of Afghanistan with the aim of helping Afghan athletes find opportunity through sport and wellbeing. Furthermore, at one time he held the altitude record for Extreme Ironing – ironing a shirt high on Mount Aconcagua in South America, at 6,800 metres, having carried an iron and ironing board to that point.
Year 12 Leatherseller Scholar, Lana described his talk:
“The lecture was incredible, and what I found most interesting were the interactions James had with the local people, as well as his endeavour to promote mixed gender sports in Afghanistan, despite the surrounding taboo. I am extremely grateful to Colfe’s for this opportunity to listen to such a wonderful talk.”
The John Glyn Society lectures are intended to enhance the experience of those who have won scholarships to Colfe’s, by enabling students to hear external speakers with widely different interests and areas of expertise.
