As part of the upcoming youth adventure program, Breaking Barriers, acclaimed climber and Paralympian, Mark Wellman came to the Ability360 Sports & Fitness Center to demonstrate new adaptive climbing gear.
Wellman, who lives with paraplegia, designed and tested the gear during his own climbs up El Capitan, Half Dome, in the French Alps and more.
Ability360 staff, along with our partners from Stoneman Climbing Company were introduced to the new gear and spent a day climbing with the adapted pulleys and harnesses.
The day ended with a slideshow and talk by Wellman chronicling his adventures as a mountain climber, Paralympic skier and mountain biker.
You’ll see staff on the rock wall working with the new equipment over the next weeks. Our first program to use the adaptive climbing gear will be Breaking Barriers. Look for exciting programs in the future that will give adults an opportunity to get in on the fun.
The Breaking Barriers Youth Adventure program is made possible through the generous support of Thunderbirds Charities. The program begins with adaptive climbing (indoor, then outdoor) and continues through the year with adaptive paddling and competitive swimming. Look for more in this issue of LivAbility Magazine.
Are YOU ready for adventure? Sign up for Breaking Barriers Adaptive Youth Adventure program here.
Jeremy, an adventurous Ability360 gym member got in on the fun.
Photos courtesy of Mark Wellman