Several team members, coaches and BMC officials attended a reception in Westminster on the 2nd November. Following a tour, we met with MPs, senior Sport England staff, Dame Kelly Holmes (awesome) and Minister Hugh Robertson to promote climbing and mountaineering. Overall the event seemed extremely positive and we hope it will help raise support for the sport, the team and our chances in the 2020 Olympics shortlist.
Audrey Seguy gave a superb speech highlighting how climbing and mountaineering is a sport for all, regardless of age or ability. Also, how the trend is for people to maintain participation in our sport, rather than drifting away and ceasing to exercise. Discussing sport in general, after the speeches, I learnt that many people give up their sport after a while as they can’t necessarily keep up or keep it together (either physically or mentally). Some sports only work in a competition format.
The difference with mountaineering may be that, although it is typically a group participation sport, the competition is ultimately between you and the mountain, the rock, the ice, the plastic etc. You can always have achievable goals. This could be getting to and from a certain place outside in the fresh air from the nearest car park (under your own steam of course), like Curbar Edge for example with its stunning views. It could be going to play at your local climbing wall with your mates, or something altogether more epic like the first ascent of something. It’s doing it that counts.
This sentiment was reflected at the recent Women’s climbing symposium at The Climbing Hanger, Liverpool. Over ninety women attended to discuss climbing, to learn and offer advice on how to improve, to climb. People came from as far as Devon and Scotland for the day. The good thing about the day was that it was all about the climbing, rather than differences between men and women and the possible excuses this may offer. There are no excuses!
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