‘Get Gripped on Climbing’ was
developed by Detective
Constable John Speight and is
another very successful initiative
which the Agency supports.
With support from DAAC, colleagues and John’s
wife Jane, the scheme was developed to help
introduce young people between the ages of 11 and
16 to the sport of rock climbing.
‘Get Gripped on Climbing’ has been designed to
enable young people who might not otherwise have
the opportunity, to be introduced to one of the
fastest growing sports in this country. It promotes
the sport to young people as a hobby worth
pursuing, encouraging positive social direction. It
also has a part to play in diverting young people
away from crime and anti-social behaviour.
Initial training courses are held at Rock Antics in
Newton Aycliffe where the young people are
introduced to the basic skills of climbing and these
are followed up with further activities. The scheme
not only introduces young people to the sport of
rock climbing, it addresses such issues as respect
for the environment, team building and problem
solving.
2004 Update On The Scheme
From John Speight
Workshops There have been four climbing workshops arranged
with Andy Earl who is one of the top European
climbers. He has provided tuition for groups of up
to 40 young people, funded by GGOC and DAAC.
The climbing club members acted as mentors for
the other children and the sessions went on all
weekend. Altogether there have been four sessions
at Aycliffe and Sunderland with children from all
parts of Durham participating.
Funding The club has now secured funding from Durham
Agency Against Crime to help with training to run
the workshops and to provide T shirts.
Sponsored climb
Young climbers took part in a fund raising climb and
reached the summit of Everest on the climbing wall,
resulting in them raising sponsorship to the sum of £240.
Tom Newman
Tom is a 16 year old and has been competing in
climbing competitions since he was 10. He trains at
Rock Antics and in 2000 won the British Regional
Youth Climbing Championships making him the top
young climber in the UK.
Tom Newman
Tom is a 16 year old and has been
climbing competitions since he
Rock Antics and in 2000 won the
Youth Climbing Championships
young climber in the UK. |
