Everest Judo is perfectly connected to the local people, the modern history of the region and to the continual evolution of life in the Himalayas. Sabrina Filzmoser (AUT), world medallist, Olympian and IJF Climate Ambassador is uniquely linked to the club and the people of Khumjung and other villages in the mountains. In May 2022 she scaled Everest, reaching the summit and waving a flag of peace, delivering messages of unity and of environmental awareness. This feat was supported by her many friends in Nepal as well as by the IJF and the Austrian Judo Federation.
Sabrina’s work in the region continues although she might say that this is not work but is simply her life. She is with friends and is completely committed to judo and humanitarian projects there; it is a calling! This week however, she enjoyed a surprise, a special moment further connecting Everest Judo Club to important local history. Sir Edmund Hillary (NZL), the first man, along with Tenzing Norgay Sherpa (NEP), to reach the summit of Everest, back in 1953, was always committed to the local area and was an advocate for education in all forms. He passed away in 2008 but his legacy is visible. Last week, his son Peter Hillary visited the Everest Judo Club class at Khumjung School as part of the inauguration celebrations for a new visitor centre at the school, ‘The Sir Edmund Hillary Visitor Centre.’
The Visitor Centre published, “The Sir Edmund Hillary Visitor Centre aims to preserve and share his legacy, promote tourism to support the local school and community, and serve as an educational hub for current and future generations. Its goals include providing historical information about Hillary's projects, inspiring younger generations with exhibits on exploration and philanthropy, and showcasing the bond between Sir Edmund Hillary, Tenzing Norgay and the Sherpa community. The centre also seeks to promote the culture and conservation of the Khumbu region.”
At the inauguration Peter Hillary said, “They found themselves together for the expeditions here in 1953 but very quickly they developed amazing friendships and partnerships, that is what it has really all been about. In 1960, members of my father’s team requested the building of a school here to serve the local community and their children. The small aluminium building close to us here was the very first school building, still looked after by the Hillary Trust.”
Sabrina added some thoughts, “I had the possibility to speak with Peter Hillary about history and the building of the first and only high school in the region by his father Sir Edmund Hillary in 1961. It is now more crucial than ever to provide essential services of education and hope. Khumjung School plays a pivotal role in the community by providing such education, enabling professional development for Sherpas. In the local ecosystem it promotes environmental awareness through conservation programmes and, by educating local people, contributes to more sustainable practices that support the delicate mountain environment and its tourism industry."
"It’s absolutely crucial for the Everest region to speak about their issues, like commercialisation’s impact, which leads to pollution and safety concerns. It is important to honour the contributions of local communities like the Sherpas properly. With the locals surviving and understanding of the constant catastrophic events and disasters, the region can learn from past mistakes, improve safety and management, and work towards more sustainable tourism that respects both the environment and the cultural significance of the mountain.
Peter Hillary and the Himalayan Trust want to continue to help, designing a multi-purpose hall where students and the whole community could watch screenings and enjoy local dances while also integrating sports like tablet tennis, volleyball and judo. So for us, it’s been very important to have had the chance to welcome Peter here to enjoy our judo programme.”
In Khumjung, the roles of education, history, sport and community are as intertwined and vital as anywhere in the world and the contributions of those with means and influence who are linked to the region, such as Peter Hillary and Sabrina Filzmoser, ensure that this mountain community benefits from all judo has to offer.