Freeze Fame: Nine Dubai School Students To Brave Sub-zero Temperatures In Antarctica

Dubai Nine students of a GEMS school are heading to Antarctica early next month as a part of the International Antarctic Expedition (IAE) 2014.

Braving sub-zero temperatures, high velocity winds, the students will be led by Robert Swan, the first person to walk to both North and South poles.

“We are proud our students would be a part of the international expedition which is not only a great adventure but would enhance their sensitivity toward environmental causes,” Darryl Bloud, principal, GEMS Modern Academy, told XPRESS.

Preparations started about a year ago when, out of 108 students, the school finalised a team of nine – six girls and three boys from grade 11.

For the past month, the group has been undergoing training in physical, mental and emotional conditioning to be able to meet the challenges of the trip.

“We have been trekking, going to Ski Dubai and regularly exercising to increase our stamina so that we are not affected by sub zero temperatures. A nutritionist has also been guiding us about what types of food we should consume and we are attending counselling sessions to prepare us for unexpected challenges,” said Shivangi Seth, who will celebrate her birthday during the expedition.

The students said they are looking forward to the numerous activities including a ‘Polar Plunge’ and overnight camping on the Antarctic ice. The students will depart on March 6 and the expedition concludes on March 21.