In the Spirit of the London 2012 Olympic Games, Andy Sparkes, the British Ambassador to Nepal, initiated the national launch of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award in Nepal 8th August 2013.

One year on since London 2012 Olympics, we celebrate sport, volunteerism and achievement of personal potential with the launch of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award. Sharing so many common values with the Olympics this is a wonderful opportunity for Nepal’s youth.

According to a press release of British Embassy, in a special ceremony organised at the British Embassy on 8th August, Ambassador Sparkes celebrated Youth, Sport & Volunteerism alongside Nepal’s Olympic London 2012 Team, Educationalists, NGOs, Youth agencies, and the Outdoor Industry.

"This National Launch of the Award also coincides with the 60th Anniversary of the first Ascent of Sagarmatha. Another very special occasion in the Nepal Britain relationship and highly auspicious launch date," says press release. Following the 1953 summit of Mount Everest, Lord Hunt who was the leader of the first successful expedition on Everest, was asked by the Duke of Edinburgh to help design this Award scheme. It is therefore only right that Lord Hunt’s legacy returns to Nepal on a National Scale in this special year.