USA Climbing Regional Competition Finds Foothold in Vancouver USA

The Source Climbing Center will host a USA Climbing regional competition Saturday, May 9 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Nearly 300 competitors, coaches, families, and spectators from throughout Washington and Alaska will visit downtown Vancouver for the competition. The competitors range in age from 8 to 18, and top athletes will qualify to compete at the divisional and national level competitions.

"We are thrilled to welcome these talented climbers to Vancouver," said Brad Updike, sports development team member for Vancouver USA Sports. "This is an event that would not have been possible five years ago, and it really underscores the growth potential for Vancouver as a diverse sports destination."

The competition will follow the onsight format, which challenge participants to climb three increasingly harder routes, each on their first attempt without falling. Young climbers climb 36 feet in as little as eight seconds in the speed component.

"Climbers train to read terrain, predict movement and manage the fear of falling," said Michael Lary, owner of the Source Climbing Center. "The best young climbers train both indoors at climbing gyms like the Source and outdoors at places like Smith Rock to make it to the top of their category."

The Source is southwest Washington's only dedicated indoor climbing facility and has become a destination for climbers throughout Washington and Oregon.

USA Climbing is the national governing body of competition climbing and promotes three disciplines: bouldering, sport and speed climbing.

The event is made possible with help from as many as 40 volunteers. More information is available at sourceclimbing.com.

About Vancouver USA Sports: Vancouver USA Sports is responsible for helping market Vancouver and the surrounding area as a sports event destination through the area's official destination marketing organization, Visit Vancouver USA. Vancouver USA Sports' mission is to positively influence the region's quality of life and economic vitality through sports development. For more information call 360-750-1553, or visit www.VancouverUSAsports.com.