Other Sport / Climbing
Climbing centre expands to promote inclusivity
In the heart of Bristol lies The Mothership, a climbing centre for both young and old, where people can come together to drink coffee, socialise among the towering walls or simply immerse themselves in what they love doing – climbing.
‘‘In any community there is a broad spectrum of people,’’ says Rich Emerson, founder of The Climbing Academy, the company that owns The Mothership.
Rich tells of the centre’s plans to expand the climbing centre so that there is more space to welcome diverse groups from all across Bristol:‘‘It is a challenge for some groups to get involved in activity,” says Rich.
is needed now More than ever
That’s why they have chosen to make the space one of inclusivity, holding weekly sessions for any groups who wish to meet up and enjoy their passion. Rich says that a lot of climbers are over 70 years old and come to the centre to stay fit and healthy as well as enjoy the sense of community spirit.
The Climbing Academy also run the much-love Church in St Werburghs
Rich says that they’ve got a long way to go until the centre is as inclusive as they hope that it one day is: ‘’The biggest challenge is finding people in the community to run these groups,’’ he says.
The expansion is due to begin soon and will include a yoga studio, a gym and a physio clinic.
Photos courtesy of The Climbing Academy Bristol’s facebook page.
Read more: Climbing to new heights
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