An exciting event is taking place just outside Edinburgh on the 2nd of November. Climbers of all levels are invited to join in a competition, the first of its kind in Scotland, organised specifically for climbers who have a disability.

 

Hosted in the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena at Ratho, ParaClimb Scotland 2014 will consist of several things. Namely the main competition, which has been designed to give climbers of all levels at least a fighting chance. “The first half of the course will be very easy so that everyone can have a fair crack at it” says Kevin Howett who works at the Mountaineering Council of Scotland and is one of the organisers. You get points according to how far across the course you get and at the end the top three go against one another.

There will also be various sessions being run which are open to everyone. Whereas you need to sign up and register for the main competition, you can simply turn up on the day to take part in the sessions.

Renowned Scottish climber and quadruple amputee Jamie Andrew will be attending the event which he helped set up. "I was asked by the GB Paraclimb Team to be an 'ambassador'.  As such I saw the opportunity for getting the ball rolling in Scotland.  The Mountaineering Council of Scotland were also keen to get something started so together we agreed to organise this event."

 

He futher had this to say:

 

            “The MCofS ParaClimb event being held at the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena is not just a climbing competition for those who have climbed before. We are inviting any disabled person to come along to the event, to watch para climbers in action, including some of the GB Para Climbing Team, and be inspired to give climbing a go. Entry is free and there will be the opportunity to have a go at climbing yourself. There will be a number of taster sessions of limited time slots throughout the day, available on a first-come basis. 2 experienced instructors will help you get to grips with the climbing wall, no matter what your disability. So, simply turn up on Sunday 2nd November and support the paraclimbers in the competition and give climbing a go. The event starts at 10am.”

 

What types of disabilities are catered for?

 

There are 9 categories in paraclimbing and they are as follows:

  • upper and lower limb
  • Upper limbs only
  • Upper limbs only that have impairments
  • Athletes with sensory impairment
  • Learning difficulties
  • Emotional and behavioural difficulties
  • ADHD
  • Autistic spectrum
  • Mental health support needs

 

“I’ve been to international meetings where people were 100% blind and were climbing, usually with the assistance of friends who are climbers” Kevin Howett explains. He goes on to say that although the sport has only been recognised by the International Olympic Committee for a little over a year, fans of the sport and numerous federations are working hard to make paraclimbing more mainstream. He adds, “This is a learning curve for me too because we’ve never done this sort of thing before”

 

In the longer run

British Mountaineering Council set up a series last year to find the people who would represent the British Paraclimbing team. “One of the reasons for doing this event”, says Kevin, “is to see if we can set up a Scottish leg of the British series. It’s also to make disabled people aware that they can have a go, we just want to inspire them. It’s a first step towards making paraclimbing in Scotland more mainstream and accessible.”

Jamie Andrew concurs, saying "This is the first climbing competition in Scotland aimed at disabled people. In the last few years paraclimbing has begun to take off around the world, and the current paraclimbing world champion is an English woman, Fran Brown.  Hopefully this event will help to boost a similar rise in disabled climbing activity in Scotland.  Indoor climbing is a fun, healthy, and safe activity that almost anyone can take part in."

 

All equipment will be supplied on the day unless an individual requires any special equipment in which case they should notify Kevin before hand.

If you would like to get involved contact the MCofS either at admin@mcofs.org.uk or call them on 01738 493 942.  Visit their main website here. Important:  although the taster sessions are free the main event has a £10 registration fee.

 

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