Kaspersky Lab Commonwealth Antarctic Expedition Makes Final Preparations Before Departure

Team leader, Felicity Ashton hands in a KLCAE jacket to Roger Wilson, VP of Marketing, Kaspersky Lab

The Kaspersky Lab Commonwealth Antarctic Expedition team gathered at the Commonwealth Club in London (Monday, 2 November 2009) for its official UK send-off, before leaving for Antarctica on Wednesday, 4 November 2009.

The Kaspersky Lab Commonwealth Antarctic Expedition will see women from eight Commonwealth countries – Brunei Darussalam, Cyprus, Ghana, India, Jamaica, New Zealand, Singapore and the United Kingdom – brave blizzards, crevasses and temperatures below minus 40° as they ski 900 kilometres over approximately 40 days to the Geographic South Pole. The expedition marks the 60th anniversary of the Commonwealth as well as demonstrating the potential for greater international understanding and exchange, and highlighting the achievements of women across the World.

The Kaspersky Lab Commonwealth Antarctic Expedition will be a life-changing experience for all the women involved, made possible by the generous sponsorship of international security software company, Kaspersky Lab. On reaching their target, the team members from Brunei, Cyprus, Ghana and Jamaica will be the first person from their nation, male or female, to ski to the South Pole. Those from India, New Zealand and Singapore will be the first women from their nation to make this symbolic and prestigious journey.

Commenting on the expedition, UK team leader Felicity Aston said: “This trip began in my head two years ago and I can scarcely believe we have reached the week of departure. Whilst we know the greatest challenge is still ahead of us, we feel incredibly proud to have come this far with months of planning, training and preparation behind us and a united team of women from around the world ready to conquer the ice.”

Felicity Aston gives details about the expedition route to the media

Dr Dhananjayan (Danny) Sriskandarajah, Director of the Royal Commonwealth Society said: “We are delighted to be hosting the team members here today as they make their final preparations for Antarctica. This exciting expedition highlights the importance of uniting our Commonwealth countries particularly in this, our 60th Anniversary year. We wish them the very best for this monumental journey.”

“The Commonwealth represents a unique set of worldwide geographies, somewhat matching the entry of Kaspersky Lab into new markets. The expedition will excite our employees and customers and we sincerely wish the team success in their endeavor, which is in the spirit of world-famous breakthroughs,” said Roger Wilson, Vice-President of Marketing, Kaspersky Lab.