Special needs kids invited to climb at UI

April 6, 2017

Children with special needs will get the chance to challenge their limits and grow their abilities during a free rock climbing event at the University of Idaho Climbing Center in Moscow on Saturday, May 6. The event is coordinated by the UI Center on Disabilities and Human Development and Courageous Kids Climbing, based in McCall, Idaho. Courageous Kids has been organizing free climbing events for children with special needs since 2014. The free event will be held from 10 a.m. to noon May 6 inside UI’s Student Recreation Center. Children with all types of physical disabilities, special needs or learning challenges are invited to participate. Trained student volunteers will be on site to assist participants. “Many physical activities are not inclusive, and even if adaptations can be made, they can be hard to obtain,” said Mia Giglio, the event’s coordinator. “Courageous Kids Climbing gives children who would otherwise struggle to experience something as fun and exciting as rock climbing a place to learn. I am excited to participate in such a wonderful event, and I am thankful the University of Idaho is so eager to help create an inclusive community.” To reserve a spot for your child, email Giglio at mgiglio@uidaho.edu, or contact the UI Center on Disabilities and Human Development at 208-885-6000. Space is limited and registration is encouraged. The UI Climbing Center features a 55-foot pillar, 24-foot instructional wall, cave and bouldering wall, as well as 6,000 square feet of climbing area. To learn more about the Climbing Center, 1000 Paradise Creek Street, Moscow, go to www.uidaho.edu/climbingcenter. More information on the Center on Disabilities and Human Development is at idahocdhd.org. Additional information about Courageous Kids Climbing can be found at www.facebook.com/CourageousKidsClimbing.