A Yellowknife outdoorsman needs your help if he’s going to be named Canada’s Greatest Explorer.
A short video submitted by former city councillor Dan Wong has been shortlisted as part of a national competition called Woods Canada’s Greatest Explorer.
The competition challenges people to take part in a series of adventures against other outdoor enthusiasts.
Last month, the company called on Canadians to submit video entries. The top 25, including Wong’s, are now visible on the competition’s website.
People from across the country answered the call, sending in videos of canoe trips, mountain bike excursions and interactions with wildlife.
Now, it’s everyone else’s turn to get in on the act. Between April 29 and May 11, the general public can vote for their favourite videos to determine 12 finalists.
Those dozen people will then compete in ‘a series of physical, skillful and artistic outdoor challenges in undisclosed locations across Canada’ according to the competition’s website.
“I’m definitely not the quickest nor the strongest but what the heck,” said Wong.
“I grew up in Yellowknife and being the only Northerner left in the competition, maybe some of those subarctic skills will set me apart.
“It would be a privilege to represent Yellowknife and the North and vie for the role of Canada’s Greatest Explorer.”
Wong is also hopeful finalists will get a chance to compete in parts of the NWT.
“I’m not sure what they plan to have contestants doing but I’m sure it’s going to be in some really beautiful parts of Canada,” he said.
“I hope they’re going to run an event in the Northwest Territories. I wouldn’t be surprised if something happens either in Yellowknife or somewhere across the [territory].”
Upon successful completion of the final challenge, one winner will be crowned Canada’s Greatest Explorer and awarded $25,000.
Should Wong go on to win, he’s promised to share the prize.
“I would like it to be more than about me so I’ve decided to share the prize money with organizations and groups that are working either to protect the wilderness or to get Northerners and Canadians outside in a safe way.”
You can vote daily until May 11 here.
