Sports Development News
“Dreams” really can come true.
By Norma Davidson
They said, “you can’t do that”, but who are they and what grounds do they have to deny someone the opportunity to fulfill a lifetime ambition. That ambition was fulfilled for more than one individual last September.
We had eight people sign up for the mountaineering course for visually impaired people at Glenmore Lodge last year. Five had some sight, three were totally blind (no guide dogs either) yet it was obvious from day one that they were all eager and determined to try anything that the instructors threw at them. Whether that was walking in the Cairngorms, rock-climbing, abseiling or paddling in the water, their sight loss was not going to be a barrier.
At times you had to keep reminding yourself that some of these people had no sight (never had) but their interest of what was around them was amazing. Wanting to know what the landscape was like, learning what the different smells were (sometimes not pleasant) and requesting the description of wild flowers and vegetation.
One of the highlights for me had to be seeing the delight of one individual when she was told that she could go out in a river kayak- a lifetime ambition, which up to this point had been denied. She was just so overcome with delight, but under the careful and skilled directions (given by the instructors) we soon had one happy lady paddling confidently in Loch Morlich. Another highlight was that two participants requested to be in the same Canadian canoe en route to a rough camping site (for an overnight expedition) down the River Spey. Something which could be quite daunting for anyone, however this was even more daunting as the pair were both completely blind and both saw it as a personal challenge. Another dream was fulfilled.
All in all a brilliant week, at times very emotional. I do not think that the instructors could have asked for anything more from these guys and I am proud to think that there are people out there who are willing to give up a week to come along as a volunteer and act as eyes. Due to the support of these special people none of the eight participants were denied!
I have always felt very strongly about the course since I became involved four years ago (as a participant) and those feelings just keep getting stronger and stronger each year. However, when an instructor with many years of experience is reduced to tears with the admiration for these people who have so much confidence and self believe within themselves, YOU KNOW YOU’VE GOT IT RIGHT!
2005 MCofS Visually Impaired Course
11th - 16th September 2005
Glenmore Lodge
This years course dates have now been set. We are also looking for sighted helpers and sponsors this year. Helpers are required to pay a fee towards accommodation and food. Further details and bookings for those wishing attend the course can be obtained from Norma Davidson at: Tel. 01356 660242; Email; pipernorma@hotmail.com; or by post to: Norma Davidson, C/O MCofS, The Old Granary, West Mill Street, Perth PH1 5QP.
Mixed Year for Scotland’s Young Competition Climbers:
Perkins Slade British Regional Youth Competition Series (BRYCS) and The British Indoor Climbing Competitions (BICC) 2004
Young Scots climbers (and their parents!) were all looking forward to seeing a BRYCS final in Scotland for 2004. After years of having to travel south and with the disappointment of it being changed from Ratho to the Welsh National Centre in 2003 it was hoped that the planned final at Ratho would finally happen. But with the continuing financial problems at the Adventure Centre (it having gone into receivership in March 2004), and with a new management contracted by the bank, and an air of uncertainty about their commitment to host the event, a hard decision to change the venue had to be made, and thankfully the Sunderland Wall came to the rescue.
Sunderland’s high wall in a River Wear warehouse catered well for the 136 competitors and an even bigger number of family members.
The Scottish teams were down on competitors compared with previous years: Scotland South comprising 13 and Scotland North just 7. But none the less they did well gaining team placing of 5th and 7th respectively.
There were some very good individual results, especially from the Scotland South team; Natalie Berry being the only one in her 10-12 age group to cruise all her problems and routes for maximum points and a 1st place, and Deb Banerji did likewise in the boys 10-12 group. Aline Kirkland also gained a good 8th place in the Girls 13-15 group and Peter Johnston (6th) and Richard Field (11th) – all their hard training paying off.
New to the north team this year were Tristan Bamford and Duncan Gunn. Tristan started climbing at Inverness this summer and achieved 7th place in the Boys 13-15 age group, just ahead of team member Robert Mackenzie; a fine effort for his first competition. Duncan was the only north team member in the boys 10-12. Fresh from training at his local wall, The Ice Factor at Kinlochleven, Duncan is now just about climbing harder than his famous dad, Davy, a local rescue team member who is responsible for numerous new routes on rock and ice in Glen Coe. In the youngest group (7-9) Scotland South's Jamie Davidson did well with her 4th place and Scotland North's Dylan Mackenzie also made it to 4th.
But BRYCS is not just about the results. It didn’t matter who was best, and indeed the biggest cheers and encouragement was given to those children that really tried the hardest. One especially stands out for me, when one young girl hung in there on a roof problem for what seemed like forever, to finally pull it out of the bag and reach the top. A superb effort completed to resounding applause. It was clearly about having fun, epitomised by several members of the Scotland North Team flying the flag for Scotland literally above their heads (the Saltire being painted on their hair!).
Route setter Steve Crowe (local Sunderland guru and responsible for many new routes across the country to E7) demonstrated one lead route and made it look very hard, which I thought would have psyched everyone out. However, Aline went on to be the first to cruise it anyway! Steve was adamant he was only taking his time so the children could get the beta!
Quite a few of these young climbers also attended the BICC last year. Natalie and Robert in particular have done well. With wins at two events (one of which would have placed her 5th in the boys competition) and 4th at another Natalie became the Junior Female BICC Champion. Robert made an excellent display at Westway, London when he on-sight flashed a F7c+ to gain 1st place. 3rd at Wales and 9th at Leeds and an overall 2nd place.
With most children coming into climbing through walls nowadays, some 'grumpy old men' think that they have little real interest in the sport. Some of the comments from adults on the <Scottishclimbs.com> Chat Room Forum regarding the children’s results were both rude and outdated. Folk need to wake up to what’s happening in climbing today and to the fact that many of those competing are just as interested in climbing outdoors. Climbing is clearly a broad church, and whilst competitions are not everyone’s cup of tea, its all part of the fun and those getting good through competitions often make the transition to become the future real rock stars, pushing the grades and helping to develop new areas and new aspects of the sport. We adults should be supporting and encouraging them, not demeaning their efforts.
It was heartening to see that quite a few of the Scottish boys and girls had also attended the recent MCofS REALrock Sessions: Luke Clayson, Karen McIntyre, Ross Kirkland and his sister Aline. And just look at the new routes that Robert Mackenzie is already achieving (see the Climb Scotland report page??).
We really do need to carry on supporting BRYCS and to do more in support of the Scottish members of the British Team in the future, especially as sportscotland no longer support our athletes.
For more photos of the final see: http://www.climbonline.co.uk/brycs_final.htm
Thanks go to all the volunteers who helped make the BRYCS events across Scotland such a great success, especially our Area Youth Coordinators, Dave Berry and Ruairidh Mackenzie and the Scottish Walls (Alien Rock, Avertical World, Glasgow Climbing Centre, Climb Caledonia and The Ice Factor). Thanks again to the continuing support for the Scottish events from TISO, and final thanks to Graeme Alderson and others at the BMC and the staff at Sunderland for organising the final.
BRYCS 2005 Dates:
North Scotland Region:
Sat 16th April: Climb Caledonia, at Inverness Sports Centre
Tel: 01463 667 505
Sat 23rd April: The Ice Factor, Kinlochleven
Tel: 01855 831 100
Sat 30th April: Climb Caledonia, at Inverness Sports Centre.
Tel: 01463 667 505
South Scotland Region:
Sat 16th April: Glasgow Climbing Centre.
Tel: 0141 427 9550
Sat 23rd April: Alien Rock, Edinburgh.
Tel: 0131 552 7211
Sat 30th April: Avertical World, Dundee.
Tel: 01382 201 901
Final:
Sat 16th July: The Westway, London
Tel: 020 8969 0992
Contact the MCofS Office for full details and application forms. Or visit the participating climbing walls. MCofS Youth members gain a discount on the fee – remember your Membership Number.
MCofS REALrock taster sessions 2005
An Introduction to rock climbing outdoors
For young climbers aged 7 to 17.
Last year we held 42 sessions for young climbers who were active indoors but wished to get out on to the real thing. We will be offering more of the same this summer.
Again the young climbers must have had experience of climbing indoors at climbing walls, either top-roped or leading, and who wish to gain some experience from other adult climbers on outside crags. They are NOT suitable for beginners.
Sessions will be structured to cater for the individuals requirements, either simply to get used to climbing on a top-rope, or as a ‘second’ on real rock, or to learn how to place protection as a ‘lead’ climber. It is recommended that up to 3 sessions be booked in order to get the most from the event.
Parents should note that volunteers are not qualified as instructors, but the MCofS, as the governing body of the sport, is confident in their abilities, all venues and activities have been risk assessed and we operate under best practice. Parents are asked to attend the sessions, even if they do not climb and be responsible for the supervision of their child when not climbing.
For full parental information about the sessions contact the MCofS Office. Full details will also be on our website and in June Scottish Mountaineer.
Details of crag venues will be fully confirmed nearer the time, but the areas where the sessions are available are:
Venues: Aberdeen / Inverness / Edinburgh / Glasgow / Perth
Dates: AUGUST 2005:
Evening Sessions: Tues 16th, Weds 17th, Thurs 18th, Tues 23rd, Weds 24th, Thurs 25th.
Week-end Days: Sat 20th, Sun 21st, Sat 27th, Sun 28th.
Cost: First Session £20 (includes MCofS membership if you are not already a member). Each session thereafter £10.
Equipment: Some technical equipment will be available during the session, but it is recommended attendees bring their own harness, rock shoes, belay device, helmet and rope.
REALrock Volunteer Adult Helpers Required for 2005
We would like to expand the sessions this year and are looking for more adult help, in all areas, but also potentially in Galloway, Ayrshire and Fort William. You need to be competent climbers, members of MCofS, prepared to undergo a Disclosure Scotland check and be familiar with a suitable climbing venue. Expenses are given for travel. If you are prepared to get involved, contact Kevin Howett at the MCofS office.
Volunteers Required for Sports Development Committee
The Sports Development Committee is responsible for aspects of MCS work that includes Climbing Walls, Competitions (BRYCS), Youth development (REALrock & child protection), Expeditions, International Meets and International issues in mountaineering, Coaching issues, Equity (including disability sport and women in sport) and finally ethical issues in climbing.
The Chair of the committee is Vice President Fred Belcher of the Cairngorm Club and elected members from the Executive Committee. We also have volunteer co-opted members who feel they can offer something to help our work.
We are looking for more willing volunteers, who could be co-opted. There are 5 meetings per year at the MCS Office in Perth and we are looking for anyone with expertise in any of the above fields who can also devote some time to help on events. We hope to better support events such as REALrock and offer more outdoor events, develop Scottish national competitions in partnership with others (remember the excellent Vango Scottish Bouldering League?) and support Scottish women climbers. If you would like to help please get in touch with the National Officer, Kevin Howett at kev@mountaineering-scotland.org.uk or write to the office.
Natalie Berry
Natalie Berry, featured in the previous competition report, training at Glasgow Climbing Centre, here redpointing a line given F8a. At the age of 13, this would have made here the youngest British climber to red point the grade. However, it has recently been downgraded to 7c+; none the less an indication of the strength of young talent currently in Scotland. Natalie, along with others from Scotland such as Robert Mackenzie, are members of the British Team administered by the BMC. This year they will be concentrating on the BICC events in order to reduce the number of competitions, the training and travel involved. This will culminate with the World Youth Final, this year in Beijing. With no financial support from sportscotland available (and none from UKsport for the Team), the team will be holding fundraising events to raise some of the necessary £1K per athlete to attend the final.
If there are any companies able to help, please get in touch with Kevin Howett at the MCofS.
