The GB Paraclimbing Team announces a fantastic new joint sponsorship arrangement with The Quay and Oakwood Climbing Centres that secures the team’s funding over the next three years.

With both The Quay Climbing Centre and Oakwood Climbing Centre committing to supporting the GB Paraclimbing Team over the next three years, a stable platform from which the team can plan ahead with confidence has been created. Not only does the sponsorship allow for more competitions to be attended – such as IFSC World Cups and the 2018 World Championships – but it will provide more support for members of the team as a whole, and on an individual basis also.

Last year, the GB Paraclimbing Team achieved four gold medals, nine silver medals, and four bronze medals – the best performance the team has had to date. The new joint sponsorship deal will bring a whole new level of support, which can only benefit the athletes in the team.

Robin O’Leary, GB Paraclimbing Team coach, said:

“It is a really exciting time for the GB Paraclimbing Team. We are delighted that Oakwood and The Quay have joined forces to support the team and allow us to train harder than ever before.

“Having both centres pledge their support for the coming years allows us to grow as a team, provide more care in the way of psychologists and physiotherapists, host more training events, deal with each team member on an individual basis as well as attend all of the World Cups and the 2018 Innsbruck World Championships, and ultimately help push the sport in the right direction.

“This sponsorship is not just helping the GB Paraclimbing Team, but anyone with disabilities. It provides hope for those going through hard times. Our athletes inspire me every day. They never complain and they have a get-up-and-go attitude that will prove to be successful in the coming year. We will push them harder than ever and they will see the rewards as they improve beyond measure. A huge thank you to both walls for believing in us.”

GB Paraclimbing Team coach Robin O'Leary prepping blind climber John Churcher before his attempt at the route. Photo: Euan Ryan / Finalcrux Films

Alison Smith, Quay Climbing Centre director, said:

“As a climbing wall operator, we see on a daily basis the life-affirming experience that indoor climbing brings to people from all walks of life.  We are passionate about bringing that experience to as wide an audience as possible.  That is why we approached the BMC to discuss sponsoring the GB Paraclimbing Team. We are proud to be part of their journey and look forward to seeing this brilliant group of athletes develop and continue to inspire the next generation of climbers.”

Mark Bristow, Oakwood Climbing Centre operations director, said:

“We are both excited and privileged to be a sponsor of the GB Paraclimbing Team. Oakwood is a Christian charity and believes that people from all walks of life should be challenged physically, socially and spiritually. In taking on this sponsorship, Oakwood Climbing Centre is committed in their support to help the team reach new levels of excellence and will be hosting events throughout the year to work in partnership to achieve this. It’s not hard to find reasons why things can’t be done but the GB Paraclimbing team is a shining example of why things can be done.”

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GB Climbing is supported by the BMC, Mountaineering Scotland and Secur-it. Many UK walls also support the GB Climbing team through free or subsidised entry.

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