Program Gives Disabled Chance To Show Off Rock Climbing Ability
At the High Point Rock Climbing Gym, everyone struggles to get to the top, but for one group of climbers, the top of the mountain is even more inspiring.
"They’ve been in wheelchairs,they’ve been physically impaired or blind. They’ve had amputations and no matter what it is we’ve found ways to help them adapt to help them get to the top of the wall," says Eric Gray, Executive Director of Catalyst Sports.
"It’s been really educational for everyone, not only for spectators, participants, parents as well as volunteers, really just showcasing what ability is all about," adds Elaine Adams, Therapeutic Recreation Director for the City of Chattanooga.
Abilities that shine in a group setting, allowing those with and without disabilities to work together, hand in hand.
"For people to be able to try new things, to be around other individuals with similar disabilities, to see individuals with and without disabilities climbing together, it just really puts everybody on the same playing field," says Adams.
"Being told no you can’t do these things and then all of the sudden you are coming to a place where you are told yes you can do them. So seeing them get on the wall for the first time, seeing their smiles, meeting other people with similar abilities as them and then just kind of coming together, it’s been really inspiring for everyone," explains Gray.
It’s inspiration that pushes even the most experienced climbers to work harder.
"We all find ways to find a reason sometimes not to climb. Because our foot hurts, or our fingers hurt or something like that. But the,n when you see a kid climbing with one arm or a kid that can’t feel their legs, it is really inspiring and just seeing the motivation and dedication they have for something like this," adds Gray.
"They’ve been in wheelchairs,they’ve been physically impaired or blind. They’ve had amputations and no matter what it is we’ve found ways to help them adapt to help them get to the top of the wall," says Eric Gray, Executive Director of Catalyst Sports.
"It’s been really educational for everyone, not only for spectators, participants, parents as well as volunteers, really just showcasing what ability is all about," adds Elaine Adams, Therapeutic Recreation Director for the City of Chattanooga.
Abilities that shine in a group setting, allowing those with and without disabilities to work together, hand in hand.
"For people to be able to try new things, to be around other individuals with similar disabilities, to see individuals with and without disabilities climbing together, it just really puts everybody on the same playing field," says Adams.
"Being told no you can’t do these things and then all of the sudden you are coming to a place where you are told yes you can do them. So seeing them get on the wall for the first time, seeing their smiles, meeting other people with similar abilities as them and then just kind of coming together, it’s been really inspiring for everyone," explains Gray.
It’s inspiration that pushes even the most experienced climbers to work harder.
"We all find ways to find a reason sometimes not to climb. Because our foot hurts, or our fingers hurt or something like that. But the,n when you see a kid climbing with one arm or a kid that can’t feel their legs, it is really inspiring and just seeing the motivation and dedication they have for something like this," adds Gray.
For more information on sports clinics for persons with disabilities:
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