Adaptive rock climbing has become one of the favorite sports GMAS offers for many of our Vermont scholarship recipients. The sport is a blast and easily adaptable, inclusive, AND available to climbers of all ages and abilities.
Green Mountain started offering an Adaptive Indoor Rock Climbing program 4 years ago and has grown the program since, now partnering with three Vermont facilities – Petra Cliffs, MetroRock, and Stowe Rock.
Coaches Training Clinics Provide Opportunities for All
Coaches from all three indoor rock climbing gyms have participated in GMAS’s sponsored training clinics where they have acquired knowledge and developed strategies for working with climbers with physical and neurodiverse disabilities in an inclusive environment. As a result of the training, the coaches can better identify strengths and areas for improvement in their adaptive athletes, providing them with a successful experience, on and off the rock wall.
Our son’s PT is delighted he is getting into climbing, increasing his gross motor skills and balance.
“My daughter excels at climbing,” reports a parent whose child participates in one-on-one lessons in the GMAS-sponsored program. “Lessons at Metro Rock have given her a safe outlet for this and help her understand where/when/what she can climb. Her coach is very receptive to the information we share on how best to support her. He engages her in ways that challenge her and give her flexibility to choose routes, bouldering, etc.”
Green Mountain Adaptive Sports presently offers scholarships to Vermont residents with a permanent disability for rock climbing lessons at the three Vermont facilities. For many who struggle with team sports, the one-on-one lessons offer an opportunity to develop confidence, independence, and a feeling of accomplishment.
“Our son is sensory seeking, however, he can be minimally verbal when in new environments or with new people. He has had one adaptive lesson with Neive Doyle at Petra Cliffs, and he connected very well with him. Rock climbing is a great avenue for him to work towards goals and understand what incremental progress feels like,” explains a parent.
GMAS is constantly looking for ways to increase participation in adaptive rock climbing. Offering grants to coaches at partner facilities for training has proven to be a winning recipe for all involved. Coaches feel confident, valued, and knowledgeable. Participants get a top-notch experience perfectly adapted to their specific needs.
“Our son is gaining so much confidence working with Neive. He is so excited to go climbing and talks about it all week. We wish we could take him every day! His PT is delighted he is getting into climbing, as his gross motor skills and balance are weak points for him physically,” reports a very satisfied parent.
GMAS Athlete Participates in CRAG VT Climbing Festival
Climber Amy MacDonald loved her experience at CRAGVT. Photo Credit: Julia Vitale, Petra Cliffs.
GMAS also sponsored athletes wishing to participate in the two-day adaptive clinic at the CRAG VT Climbing Festival held on the cliffs of Bolton on September 28-29, 2024. Amy Macdonald, who has been taking adaptive rock climbing lessons through GMAS for the past couple of years was one of the participants.
“The festival was amazing! Thank you all so much for funding me, I had such a great time! They have done a lot of work to make things more accessible. They now have 4 accessible routes and have built up the area to have a ramp made of rock right up the side of the cliffs. CRAGVT continues to look for feedback and to make more improvements. I just wanted you to know it was amazing and say thanks again! You guys are amazing!,” expressed Amy about her positive experience.
We invite you, or someone you know to apply for a scholarship to participate in the GMAS Indoor Rock Climbing Program. It is truly a rocking sport everyone should have the opportunity to experience. Apply here.