Member Success: Michael Navolio
Member Success: Michael Navolio
Member Success: Michael Navolio
I began the Mt. Kilimanjaro Clean Water Climb in 2011 when I was 59 years old as a fundraiser to bring clean water to rural Malawi (located in Africa and the world’s poorest country) through an organization called Child Legacy. Every year I recruit friends and other interested people to go with me to Africa to climb Africa’s highest mountain at 19,341’. Before the hike we go on an acclimatization safari near Kilimanjaro to prepare. After the hike we go rural Malawi, stay at a sustainability project and go out during the day to repair broken water wells in the villages and schools.
I have summited Kilimanjaro 8 times (twice in 2017) and this year I added Aconcagua (22,841’) to the list of mountains we climb for clean water. I just summited Aconcagua in January. We also climb peaks in Colorado for clean water; and this April we are launching the Appalachian Trail Clean Water Climb.
I would best classify this as a project or a ministry to restore drinking water to those who do not have any.
- How many years have you been hiking? What made you decided to start doing it?
Before starting the Clean Water Climb, I never really did much, if any, hiking. I hiked to the top of Mt. Whitney in California, the highest peak in Lower 48 at 14,520’ when I was about 30 years old. Even though I made it to the top, I got altitude sickness, so I thought I could never do anything like that again. I have since learned that I didn’t know what I was doing!
However, in 2007 my wife and I visited Kenya and saw the terrible problem so many people had with a lack of clean, safe drinking water. I fell in love with the people of East Africa and wanted to help somehow. I went back twice to East Africa in 2009, including a trip to Malawi with my wife. We were introduced to Child Legacy and they took us out to a well repair. Once again I fell in love – this time with what Child Legacy was doing. In 2010 I started bringing people to Malawi. On the way home, I met a Brit on the flight from Nairobi to London. He asked me what I was doing in Africa. I told them I was trying to figure out what I could do to help the people of Malawi get clean water. I then asked him what he was doing in Africa. He said he and 34 of his friends just climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro to raise money for a charity in England. That started the wheels turning in my head.
- Who inspires you?
My inspiration comes from many sources: 1) the founders of Child Legacy – Jeff and Karen Rogers – who have dedicated their entire adult lives to serving the people of Zimbabwe and Malawi; 2) our climbers and donors – there are so many of them – the fact that they would give of their time and money to help others on the other side of the world is huge; 3) my company Southwestern Energy – who match employee donations to the Clean Water Climb and have been corporate sponsors since the very first climb in 2011; and finally, 4) God inspires me to help others – I can’t explain it, but I certainly feel led to help others in this way.
2016 Malawi well repair
- What three things would you always recommend to bring with you on the hiking expedition?
I always tell people in addition to all their hiking gear, they should bring some good snacks, a good camera, and a positive attitude that they can make it to the summit.
- If you could eat any food with no consequences what would it be?
Chocolate chip cookies.
- What’s your favorite workout?
Outside of the gym it would be long bicycle rides. Inside of the gym it would be an hour session with my personal trainer, Eva Houle.
- What do you love about Villa Sport?
I love the great variety of equipment as well as the swimming pools. But most of all I love the employees – they are all so friendly to me. But my favorite person at Villa Sport is my personal trainer – Eva Houle – she is my biggest encourager and fan to help me succeed!
- What’s your dream vacation?
I have been to a lot of places in the United States and other countries. I would have to say my dream vacation would be to go on Safari in every National Park in Africa. That would be incredible!
If anyone would like to join the Mt. Kilimanjaro Clean Water Climb they can contact me at menavolio@gmail.com or 832-373-7640. I am also on FB as Mike Navolio and we have a Clean Water Climb FB page as well. We have several trips planned every summer. Just remember: EASY PEASY, LEMON SQUEEZY and you will be fine!