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News Release – from the British Mountaineering Council (BMC)
Government recognises climbing’s contribution to the nation as leading mountaineers visit No 10
Top climbers and mountaineers including Sir Chris Bonington and Leo Houlding are to attend a reception for the BMC hosted by government at 10 Downing Street on Wednesday 8th October in ‘Celebration of British Mountaineering’, which comes hot on the heels of several major achievements in British climbing.
On Saturday, Adele Pennington became the first British woman to climb Manaslu (at 8163m, the world's eighth highest mountain). Within the last fortnight, British climber James Pearson has achieved what may well be the world’s hardest traditional climb, and 14 year old Kitty Wallace has become the youngest British female rock climber to climb a route at the revered climbing grade 8a.
The reception is being held in recognition of the work of the BMC, of all British mountaineering activities, and the current role the sport plays in contributing to a fit and active nation.
Climbing is increasing in popularity but receives relatively low level of financial support from government in comparison to other sports. Support for elite competition climbers falls through a funding gap as climbing is not an Olympic Sport, making it a financial struggle for climbers to compete on an international level. British mountaineers continue to be influential on the international mountain scene, however government funding for expedition grants has been stopped in the run up to the Olympics. The BMC is currently awaiting the decision of an application for funding from Sport England, which allocates government funding for sport at a community level, to support the BMC’s work in general
In recent years the BMC has made significant steps in raising its influence in government and giving a voice to its 65,000 strong membership - for example the success in influencing the amendments to the Work at Height Regulations and in campaigning for improved access to our coastline which lies at the heart of the Marine 177-179 Burton Road Tel: 0161 445 6111 Manchester M20 2BB Fax: 0161 445 4500 www.thebmc.co.uk e-mail: office@thebmc.co.uk
Bill. Over the past 3 years, the BMC has taken part in Sport England’s Parliamentary Sports Fellowship Scheme.
BMC Chief Executive, Dave Turnbull said: “We are encouraged by the recognition the government is giving to the achievements in our sport and to the role our sport plays in contributing to a fit and active nation in the 21st century. Rock climbing is becoming increasingly popular and there are enormous health benefits from climbing which can continue throughout life as climbing is a truly lifelong sport.”
BMC President Charles Clarke commented: “This is a unique opportunity for our sport. Whether it's climbing indoor walls, rock climbing on sea cliffs, bagging Munros or heading off on Himalayan adventures – climbing is a sport that touches lives in way that few sports can. It's great to see government recognise that we have something really special to offer.”
The reception will be hosted by Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe and will be attended by government ministers, MPs, members of the House of Lords and senior civil servants. Other guests include senior figures from the mountaineering world, key partner organisations, BMC volunteers, prominent climbers and mountaineers, the outdoor media and leading grassroots activists in rock climbing, hill walking and mountaineering.
