Antigua climber Mandy begins Himalayan challenge with island flags

Antigua mountaineer Armando Marco Placeres Suárez, known as Mandy, has begun a new Himalayan climbing project, carrying a signed flag from his municipality and another from Fuerteventura that he hopes to unfurl at the summit.

Mandy set off this week for a technically demanding ascent involving ice, rock and snow. The mountain is not named in the information released about the project.

He plans to climb with a partner, Fura, without a larger expedition. A porter will help the pair with logistics as far as base camp; from there, they will attempt the ascent themselves. The route is expected to involve steep and overhanging sections, with cold and a lack of oxygen adding to the physical and mental demands.

Before Mandy left, Antigua’s sports councillor Alejandro García met him to wish him luck. Mayor Juan Cabrera also sent his best wishes, saying it was an honour for the climber to promote Antigua around the world.

Culture councillor Agustín Rodríguez asked Mandy to take photographs at the summit to share with the municipality and the island. Cabrera said the mountaineer would be welcomed at Antigua town hall on his return to share his experience.