On Saturday 18 October, 24 MGCI students and 1 alumnus arrived at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in the early hours of the morning to participate in the annual CN Tower Climb. The climb, held by United Way and Enbridge, had participants race up 144 flights of stairs (a total of 1776 steps) for United Way. Out of 3400 total participants in the Saturday Morning session, Peter Wen, who graduated from MGCI in 2013, and Sean Purcell, a current student at MGCI, placed 6th and 10th overall in the climb, with impressive times of 12 minutes and 14 seconds, and 12 minutes and 28 seconds respectively.
This year, over 3000 people participated in the event, raising over $60 000 to fund local support programs and fight poverty. MGCI’s team raised a hefty $1100 for the cause.
MGCI students climbed up the stairs to the top of the CN tower. Photo: Jenna Wong
Vicky Xu, one of the co-presidents of MGCI United Way, said that she was extremely proud of the team for being able to complete the climb. She also expressed gratitude to Ms. Donovan, the teacher supervisor, for the time and effort she put in that allowed the students to enjoy the climb.
Grade 12 student Sean Purcell said, “I think the best part of the climb was the sense of accomplishment looking down from the top. Unfortunately there was the intense pain in my lungs that slightly hindered my satisfaction.”
The climb was open for registration from 6 am until 10 am. Team MGCI planned wisely, and began registering at approximately 7 am, managing to avoid the long line ups and wait times.
Though the climb was an individual activity, it built up team spirit and camaraderie. “Everyone was encouraging to each other during the climb,” said Athletic Convenor Michelle Nyamekye. “It’s just fun to see how you can keep improving over the years, and it’s all for a good cause, so it’s a win-win situation.”
