Manitoba climbers reach new heights

UM played host to the first sanctioned lead-climbing event in the province. The competition was held on the climbing wall in the Active Living Centre on the Fort Garry campus in January of this year.

“It’s incredible to be part of the growth of climbing in Manitoba,” said Mario Ferreira, Climbing Coordinator. Ferreira says the Climbing Association of Manitoba event, hosted alongside Recreation Services’ annual Big Wall Classic, was an important step for the sport in the province.

Sanctioned events allow athletes to be ranked and qualify for larger competitions, with opportunities to compete nationally and internationally for Canada.

Julia Pantel, a wall supervisor for Recreation Services and lead of the Mini U climbing education team, placed first in the female senior lead category at the provincial competition. She went on to represent Manitoba at the Climbing Escalade Canada’s (CEC) Senior National Championships in Calgary, AB in February.

“It was an incredible opportunity that the UM was able to host our first-ever Lead provincial competition,” said Pantel. “Hosting events like this is paving the way for Manitoba to make its way in national competitions.”

Pantel says Manitoba has sent athletes to nationals before, but a sanctioned provincial event better prepares competitors. She says organizing events like this signals the province’s growing competitive community.

Pantel says climbing’s social aspect drives its growth in Manitoba. Groups like UM’s climbing club offer relaxed ways to enter the sport. 

“It’s an incredible community here, and somewhere you can develop your skills and find lifelong friends,” Pantel says. “I’ve developed so many friendships through climbing, and anytime I come to the wall there’s always someone I can hang out with while I climb.”

The goal for climbers and organizers across the province is to keep lowering barriers to entry. Ferreira says UM’s climbing wall and bouldering room will support that mission.