Sport.Cardiff in partnership with Boulders Climbing Centre hosted the second Cardiff Schools Indoor Climbing Competition this month.
The competition was organised to reward pupils from the 5×60 programme for their hard work and dedication whilst giving them a chance to showcase what they have learnt to their family and friends.
The 5×60 initiative is a Welsh Government funded programme available to schools across Cardiff which encourages children to take part in 60 minutes of physical activity five times a week.
It comprises a variety of different activities from which the children choose what they want to participate in. Activities include competitive, team and individual sports as well recreational activities such as climbing, dance and swimming.
Climbing has been a popular choice and the competition saw over 40 pupils from 8 secondary schools compete in a series of climbing challenges in Wales’ largest indoor climbing centre.
To test their ability, pupils were put through both speed and difficulty climbs as well as a number of bouldering challenges.
Sport.Cardiff’s 5×60 officers assisted with the scoring throughout the afternoon as Boulders coaches led and supervised the climbs.
Whilst pupils were waiting for the results they also performed an impressive display climb to inspire those that are new to the sport.
St Teilo’s Church in Wales High School, Llanederyn High School, Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Plasmawr, Radyr Comprehensive and Willows High School took away awards from the competition as well as each pupil receiving vouchers to use at Boulders and Youth Climbing Clubs held at the centre.
This year’s competition was fully bilingual.
Executive Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture, Cllr Nigel Howells said: “This event has been an excellent way to get children involved in a sport that they may not usually have had the opportunity to try.
“It is also an example of the inspiring and original sports provision that Sport.Cardiff delivers to school children across the city in partnership with outside organisations like Boulders.
“It is wonderful that young people can experience new and unique sports such as indoor climbing, and allows new opportunities to participate in competitive and club activity in the future.”
Ollie Noakes, operations director / joint founder of Boulders commented: “We were delighted to host the 5×60 competition with local Cardiff schools here at Boulders indoor climbing centre.
“40 competitors from the ages of 11-14, were divided into six teams and competed in different categories including bouldering, top-roping, speed climbing and a difficulty climb.
“The young people competing are relatively new to the sport, so it was fantastic to see how well they have progressed by climbing here regularly over the past term. Well done to all who took part in the competition and we look forward to welcoming the 5×60 officers and schools back next term.”
