ESET Press Center

The Stephen J. Wampler Foundation today announced that its founder, Steve Wampler, has been selected as a finalist in the Sports Illustrated Gillette® Odor Shield "Sweat for Greatness" Contest. A fan vote, which is open until November 14, 2011, will help select the winner—who will receive $25,000 and an invitation to the Sports Illustrated and Gillette "Sportsman of the Year" event in New York City. If chosen as the winner, Steve would use the money to support the Wampler Foundation, which provides outdoor recreation programs for children with physical disabilities.

Steve has been recognized for his history-making performance when in September 2010, he became the first person with Cerebral Palsy to climb and summit Yosemite's El Capitan. Widely considered one of the greatest challenges in rock climbing, Steve's climb of El Capitan took place over a six day period. With limited use of his arms and no use of his legs, Steve utilized a specialized chair, which he designed himself, and used his arms to pull on a small bar attached to a pulley system. With each pull, he lifted himself four to six inches. A total of approximately 20,000 pull-ups brought him to the summit. Steve was carried back down the mountain in victory by a group of U.S. Marines. Steve's motivation to do this climb was to raise money for the Wampler Foundation, which offers wilderness programs for children with physical disabilities. These programs are provided at no cost to the campers and their families through sponsorships and donations.

"My original intent of this climb was to show everyone that you can do anything you set your mind to, regardless of any disability," said Stephen J. Wampler, CEO and co-founder of the Wampler Foundation. "I am humbled by this recognition and winning $25,000 would do incredible things for the kids, the camp and our foundation. Beyond that, I hope my story can continue to inspire all people to achieve their own individual greatness."

The Gillette Odor Shield "Sweat for Greatness" contest celebrates ordinary men achieving extraordinary things. Fans can vote once per day. To vote for Steve, visit http://www.si.com/greatness.

To learn more about the Stephen. J. Wampler Foundation, Steve's climb, or for additional information on how to support the Foundation through financial donations, please visit http://www.wamplerfoundation.org/. The Wampler Foundation is proudly sponsored by ESET.

About The Wampler Foundation
Founded in 2000, The Wampler Foundation provides outdoor recreation programs for children with physical disabilities such as Muscular Dystrophy, Cerebral Palsy, and Spina Bifida at no cost to their families. To find out more about The Wampler Foundation, and to make a donation, please visit http://www.wamplerfoundation.org/.