On Saturday, June 26, a very special Care to Change Participant by the name of Eddie competed in the Queensland State Lead Titles Rock Climbing competitions in the Top Rope Para Category at Urban Extreme located in Hendra.
During Eddie’s rock climbs she navigated vertical walls featuring various hand and footholds in three disciplines: speed, bouldering and lead. Eddie competed in all three which resulted in her final rankings being determined by multiplying her place in each discipline.
Eddie had two qualifying climbs to attempt. The first was a para-specific climb and Eddie reached the top in the first attempt without penalties within the time limit allowed. After a short break, Eddie attempted the second qualifying climb which was a shared climb with the Women’s Masters over 40’s. Eddie made an excellent attempt to achieve quite difficult moves.
The finals were Para-specific and were scheduled for the following day, which was Sunday afternoon. On arrival, Eddie was required to join all the competitors in isolation until each person was led out for their climb. Isolation is to prevent climbers from gaining advantages from watching others attempt the final climbs before they do so. This was not an advantage to Eddie as due to her eyesight she cannot clearly see the other participants climb.
Fortunately for Eddie she was the first to climb. She flashed the climb to the great delight of the spectators.
At the end of the finals, the winners of each category were presented with prizes, Eddie received a prize as a winning female competitor ranking a high score in her category which was the Top Rope Para Category. The spectators and fellow climbers showed Eddie lots of support and applause.
The team at Care to Change would like to congratulate Eddie on her successful climbs! Her strength, skill, balance and coordination are outstanding. You are an inspiration to us all!
