Climbing enthusiast Guy Robertson has teamed up with Scottish Refugee Council to create a unique fundraiser, which also aims to make the sport more accessible to refugees. Guy’s ‘climbathon’ will be held at The Climbing Centre in Glasgow on 5 March from 1-6pm and is open to everyone, including beginners.
People seeking asylum in Scotland receive just £35.39 per week before they are granted refugee status and are forbidden from working. Even once getting refugee status, many people find themselves in poverty, so leisure activities can be off-limits to them.
“I hope this event will achieve various aims – raising funds for the charity while also maintaining the profile of the plight of refugees. I wanted to actually do something practical to help refugees in Scotland to develop their peer networks,” said Guy.
The event will encourage people to complete a series of bouldering challenges within three hours, after which there will be prizes, refreshments and a talk from Scottish climber Dave Macleod. Qualified instructors will be on hand, and those with climbing experience are also encouraged to buddy up and help refugee participants, many of whom may be experiencing climbing for the first time.
“I’ve been intending to do some fundraising through climbing for a while now, and the situation happening in Europe just brought this into focus,” said Guy.
Guy, who has been been climbing for twenty six years, advocates the social, mental and health benefits of the sport and hopes organising this event will lead to the same benefits for refugees and asylum seekers.
“More so than other sports, climbing – and indoor climbing in particular – is a very sociable activity, and something people of all ages, shapes and sizes can enjoy. It’s therefore a good way for anyone to get to know others in their community.”
“Climbing generally is just a great way of engaging people and encouraging them to push their boundaries mentally and physically. It’s also a wonderful form of escapism. I hope the Scottish Climbers for Refugees initiative can continue the momentum and build on these events in future.”
The event will be held on Saturday, 5 March at The Climbing Academy from 1-6pm. The day will start with three hours of bouldering challenges followed by prizes and refreshments and a lecture from Dave Macleod. The Scottish climber has previously completed some of the hardest routes in Scotland. The organisers aim to raise awareness and further sponsorship prior to the event and are offering 50% off to those fundraising and free entry to anyone that raises £50 or over. Find out more here.
