Nature Valley™ Sponsors Blind Adventurer Erik Weihenmayer's "No Barriers Grand Canyon Expedition," a First of its Kind Whitewater Kayak Trip

MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 4, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Nature Valley has partnered with Erik Weihenmayer, a world-renowned adventurer and the only blind person to climb Mount Everest, to sponsor his quest to kayak the expanse of the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. Weihenmayer's ability to feel and experience energy from nature through his other senses has deepened his connection to nature and will help guide him through this journey. This expedition serves to inspire people to not limit themselves and believe what's within us is stronger than what's in our way.  Nature Valley is joining Erik Weihenmayer in inviting people to pledge to get out there and live a No Barriers Life.

The Expedition

Weihenmayer's 21-day, 277 mile journey through some of the world's most challenging whitewater terrain on the Colorado River will be the ultimate challenge for him and his team. The trip will begin on September 7 at Lee's Ferry, nine miles south of the Arizona-Utah border. Erik and his team expect to complete the expedition on or around September 28 at Pearce Ferry, the boundary between the Grand Canyon and Lake Meade.

Weihenmayer will be supported by an experienced paddling team, and joined by accomplished kayaker and Navy veteran Lonnie Bedwell, another visually impaired adventurer, demonstrating that anyone can harness their inner strength to overcome the barriers in their life. Preparation for the Expedition has been extensive, with both Weihenmayer and Bedwell spending the last several years training and developing innovative systems for kayaking rapids with support from high-tech radios and verbal commands from river guides.

Nature Valley has a long history of commitment to nature, outdoor activities and the national parks. The brand finds inspiration from the beauty of nature and the way people connect with and in nature– whether that's from a fearless adventure like those undertaken by Weihenmayer or an everyday hike. It's Nature Valley's belief that experiencing nature enables people to feel most alive.

"We are so inspired by Erik Weihenmayer's story and the passion, determination and commitment he brings to everything he does," said Kerry DeLaney, marketing manager for Nature Valley. "We hope our support of his overall mission and journey along the Colorado River will help encourage one million people to take the No Barriers Pledge and live the No Barriers mindset."

"Learning to whitewater kayak has been one of the hardest challenges I've ever taken on and this trip through the Grand Canyon will be my most physically and emotionally grueling feat," commented Weihenmayer. "A typical day of kayak training includes getting flipped in rapids, hitting rocks sideways, and sometimes taking long unpleasant swims. I hope that when others hear about two blind kayakers paddling the mighty Colorado River, they might be inspired that a No Barriers Life is possible for anyone."

Nature Valley and Erik Weihenmayer Support the No Barriers Pledge

Nature Valley is supporting Weihenmayer in his pledge to live a No Barriers Life. As a founding member of No Barriers USA, Weihenmayer advocates for the organization's mission to empower people with the message, "what's within you is stronger than what's in your way." You can join Nature Valley and Weihenmayer in the goal of encouraging one million people to live a No Barriers Life and follow along while Erik goes through his journey by visiting nobarriers.naturevalley.com

Erik Weihenmayer Featured in Nature Valley Advertising

Weihenmayer is also being featured in a new series of television and digital advertisements entitled "Feel Nature's Energy" for Nature Valley, highlighting the unique ways in which he experiences nature. To view the ads, visit Feel Natures Energy TV Spot

For more information about Weihenmayer's "No Barriers Grand Canyon Expedition" sponsored by Nature Valley, or to follow along throughout the journey, visit nobarriers.naturevalley.com

About Erik Weihenmayer

Weihenmayer has been blazing his own trail since he lost his sight at age 13. He represented Connecticut in the National Wrestling Championships, climbed Mt. Everest and the Seven Summits in a 7-year span, scaled the overhanging granite face of El Capitan and the 2800-foot ice face of Losar in the Himalayas, finished the Leadville 100 Mountain Bike Race at elevations above 10,000 feet, and completed Primal Quest, billed as one of the toughest adventure races in the world - 460 miles - 60,000 feet of elevation gain - no time outs. Additionally, he is a certified solo skydiver and para-glider and teaches his own downhill skiing technique called Blind Skiers Edge to groups around the country. In ABC's summer TV series, Expedition Impossible, Weihenmayer competed on a 3-man team in a race across the mountains, rivers and deserts of Morocco, finishing 2nd and beating twelve teams of able-bodied athletes.

About Nature Valley^®

Nature Valley created the granola bar category in 1975 and brings great taste to active consumers looking for wholesome snacks. Nature Valley's commitment to nature and the outdoors starts with real ingredients that come from nature. Nature Valley offers over 10 varieties of great-tasting snacks including: Crunchy Granola Bars, Breakfast Biscuits, Sweet & Salty Nut Granola Bars, Protein Bars, Protein Granola, Greek Yogurt Protein Bars, Soft-Baked Oatmeal Squares, Granola Thins, Chewy Trail Mix Bars, Roasted Nut Crunch Bars, and Yogurt Granola Bars. To learn more about Nature Valley, visit www.NatureValley.com or the Nature Valley Facebook page.

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SOURCE Nature Valley