CENTRAL SAANICH — The Boulders Climbing Gym announced it will host the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) 2018 World Youth Climbing championships next summer.
The Central Saanich climbing facility will welcome the world’s best youth climbers (ages 14 to 19) in speed, lead and bouldering categories. According to The Boulders, the IFSC announced the championship site at its Plenary Assembly in Quebec City this month. The event will take place in Central Saanich August 14 to 22, 2018.
“It is an absolute honour to host the world’s youth climbers just before the 2020 Tokyo Olympic games. We’re expecting the event to be even bigger than last time,” said Kimanda Jarzebiak, chair of the board of directors of The Boulders Climbing Gym in a media release.
“What a privilege to continue the tradition of Central Saanich being the Competition Climbing Capital of Canada. We are ready and excited to host the world in 2018,” added Central Saanich Mayor Ryan Windsor.
In 2013, the Boulders Climbing gym hosted the first IFSC world youth competition to be held in North America. More than 400 athletes from over 35 countries were in attendance, along with thousands of spectators, delegates, coaches and families. In total, more than 2,500 athletes and spectators attended the event.
The Boulders Climbing Gym is a not-for-profit society with the mandate of making climbing accessible for everyone, regardless of ability or ability to pay. With over 13,000 square feet (1,208 square metres) of climbing space, this community facility is a unique social enterprise, providing adaptive recreation and rehabilitation programs, youth recreational and competitive programs, as well as facilitating a climbing academy at Stelly’s Secondary School.
More details about the event will follow in the coming months at climbtheboulders.com. For more details about the International Federation of Sport Climbing, please visit ifsc-climbing.org.
— Submitted by The Boulders Climbing Gym
