By Sarah Kuper
Rock climbing can be an exhilarating outdoor activity and a way to stay fit at an indoor gym. But for some, climbing may seem impossible because of conditions such as cerebral palsy, amputations or other disabilities.
This month, High Point Climbing and Fitness has partnered with Catalyst Sports to show those with physical or sensory impairments that climbing is possible and is a great way to stay strong and get involved.
High Point is now home to Alabama’s first Catalyst Sports chapter. The Atlanta-based organization teaches adaptive climbing clinics to help people of all ages with varying disabilities learn to climb.
“We are delighted to bring adaptive climbing to Birmingham,” said Gillian Sharp, Catalyst Sports program director. “Together with High Point, our goal is to make climbing accessible to everyone and to break down the barriers that might be stopping someone with a physical disability from experiencing rock climbing.”
Tony Levy, High Point Birmingham general manager, said having a Catalyst Sports chapter is a big deal for the gym and the area.
“It means so much for us to have the opportunity to share this sport with the community, and this program is only going to help open the door for more people to get involved in the world of climbing. People who otherwise might not get the chance,” Levy said.
High Point is in Inverness Plaza on U.S. 280. It has 52-feet-high climbing walls, a kid zone, a bouldering room and a weight training room plus yoga and fitness classes.
For more information on Catalyst Sports and High Point Climbing, visit teamcatalyst.org and highpointclimbing.com.
