Global Climbing Day to be celebrated in climbing gyms across New Zealand

Climbing gyms across New Zealand will be celebrating their sport today as part of Global Climbing Day activities.

Being marked today (Saturday 24th August), the global initiative by The North Face aims to provide no or low-cost climbing opportunities to people who may not have tried it in the spirit of togetherness and equality, based on the Global Climbing Day manifesto that “we believe in a world that is united by difference, bound by empathy and strengthened by understanding. Walls are meant for climbing”.

For the first time, Global Climbing Day is also supporting the local development of the sport.

For every participant in New Zealand, The North Face will be donating money to help the New Zealand Alpine Club (NZAC) to do more for climbers and the sport.

NZAC General Manager, Karen Leacock states “this is a wonderful boost for the Club, and we are very pleased to be on board with The North Face, supporting this initiative.

“Studies by Sport NZ have shown that young people, especially young girls and women, are looking for more sporting opportunities outside of traditional team sports. They want activities that offer a challenge but not necessarily competition, and that are really social at the same time.

“We believe that climbing fits squarely in this category and are excited to partner with The North Face to offer free entry to many gyms across the country on Saturday. There is a saying amongst climbers, that the best climber is not the one climbing the hardest routes, rather the one having the most fun.”

Formed in 1891, NZAC aims to promote and support climbing at all levels within New Zealand. The Club has over 4300 members, 12 regional sections and five full-time staff based at its headquarters in Christchurch.

The scope of its activities is broad including publishing, the provision of 17 alpine huts and base lodges, instruction, events, advocacy, insurance and support for overseas climbing expeditions.

Click here for more information on Global Climbing Day events in New Zealand and Australia.