Hugely excited to announce that Cognizant, a company which engineers modern businesses to improve everyday life, has become the headline sponsor for Polar Preet’s expedition to become the first woman to complete a solo, unsupported crossing of Antarctica.
Team Forces has already gathered a group of great supporters to help her on her way but it’s terrific news that Cognizant is now headlining the team. We are very excited to be working with such a game-changing company to help Preet with her dream of becoming a world record breaker. Cognizant is a truly serendipitous choice as Preet’s headline sponsor; one of their key values … ‘always strive, never settle’ clearly resonates with Polar Preet and her extraordinary drive to show that ‘nothing is impossible’.
Maj Gen Lamont Kirkland CBE, CEO Team Forces said: ‘We are delighted that Cognizant will be the headline sponsor for Preet on her extraordinary challenge to become the first woman to cross Antarctica solo and unsupported. Preet is an amazing role model and will be a wonderful ambassador for Cognizant during her arduous journey this winter.’
Yatin Mahandru, Head of Public Sector and Health, Cognizant UK and Ireland, stated: ‘As a company with a highly diverse workforce from many different backgrounds, Cognizant identifies closely with Preet’s ethos that nothing should hold anyone back from achieving their goals. Preet is a superb role model for all of us at Cognizant, and we are delighted to support her inspirational expedition.’
Captain Preet Chandi MBE, Polar Preet commented: ‘Thank you so much for your support Cognizant, my solo expedition across Antarctica wouldn’t be possible without your help.’
This winter Preet will be starting her journey at Hercules inlet on the inner coast of the Ronne Ice Shelf – the location where she started on her recent successful South Pole expedition. However, this time she will not be stopping at the South Pole, she will be heading on the second part of her journey to the inner coast of The Ross Ice Shelf via The Reedy Glacier.
Preet will be pulling her pulk (sled) with all her kit and equipment for a duration of around 75 days for over 1,000 miles and will face temperatures as low as -50°c and wind speeds of up to 60mph. She will be using muscle power alone to pull the pulk which will have a starting weight of about 120kg.
Completing this journey will be a World Record.
Other world record attempts include Louis Rudd and Colin O’Brady who completed a solo and unsupported (without resupplies) crossing of Antarctica in 2018 and Felicity Aston who completed a solo supported (with resupplies) crossing in 2012.
About Cognizant in United Kingdom and Ireland
Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) engineers modern businesses. We help our clients modernise technology, reimagine processes and transform experiences so they can stay ahead in our fast-changing world. Together, we’re improving everyday life. See how at cognizant.com or @cognizant.
About Polar Preet
In January 2022, British Army Medical Officer Preet Chandi, or ‘Polar Preet,’ became the first woman of colour to ski solo to the South Pole. The 33-year-old captain in the UK’s Royal Army Medical Corps took 40 days to complete the 700-mile trek. Preet joined the Territorial Army in 2007 and became a Regular army officer seven years later, she has served in Nepal, Kenya and South Sudan. In 2019 Preet completed the Marathon des Sables, a 156-mile (251 km) ultramarathon across the Sahara. Preet was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2022 Birthday Honours.