Climbing is an amazing sport for disabled young people. It not only has physical benefits, as it can also develop trust, communication skills and body awareness.
One of the biggest barriers for SEND young people accessing climbing is appropriate equipment and facilities, so we are proud to offer this to our students and community.
One of the most exciting features of The Ged Mason Building is our 10m x 16m climbing wall, which was built by the same team who constructed the last Olympic climbing wall. The team are also creating the next Paralympic wall using the learnings from creating this incredible structure for Seashell students.
We might assume a person who uses a wheelchair can’t climb a wall, or that a person who is blind and deaf can’t reach the top of a route. This isn’t the case. By changing our perception of climbing and adapting what we see as an achievement within the sport, the opportunities for young people with disabilities to climb become endless
Heather, Head of Active, said: “Our wall has LED lights to illuminate a route, and kite harness and hoist facilities, which enable wheelchair users and individuals with multi-sensory needs to experience the thrill of climbing.”
“Without having a climbing wall here at Seashell, many of our students would really struggle to experience this hugely beneficial activity.”
Thank you to the Showman Rose Foundation for funding this one-of-a-kind feature in the Stephen Lowe Sports Hall funded by the Stoller Charitable Trust, and Summit Up Climbing for supporting these sessions!
