Olympic gold medallist Julia Mancuso of the United States (pictured) and British number one Chemmy Alcott are to climb Mount Kilimanjaro for charity Right to Play, which helps African communities.

The skiers have been named as ambassadors for the sporting organisation and will scale the continent's tallest mountain on June 1 before visiting a village in Tanzania.

"We believe in the power of sport and play and that it can enhance child development and literally change lives and eventually societies," Mancuso said.

"We want to offer our support, not only financially, but physically to the organisation and the volunteers in the field who touch lives and make it all happen on a daily basis."

The pair aim to generate around £20,000 in charitable contributions - with approximately £5,000 already found through their guest appearance at 'The Carlsberg Race' this month.

They are both also canvassing corporate sponsors to match their figure at the end of the charity drive.

Alcott said: "We know that as ski racers, we live a very privileged life, but we believe that the opportunities that sport engenders - and has engendered in our own lives - ought to be universally available, regardless of social status or how much money you have."

Athletes including former NHL star Wayne Gretzky, NBA center Dikembe Mutombo and the players of Premier League club Chelsea have previously supported Right to Play.

Mancuso won gold in the giant slalom at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy. Alcott finished 11th in the downhill.

Jonathan Symcox / Eurosport