The vision for United Rocks began with Brian and Mariana Steelsmith’s son, Jake, being born with down syndrome.

Thinking of Jake’s future, they wondered how they could best support his development and find a community where he could be included and accepted. They came up with the idea of rock climbing for Jake and others like him because they had extensive experience with it and understood its value.

Their older son had practiced and competed in the sport for over 7 years. In participating, he developed excellent fitness and strength and grew in confidence and problem-solving skills. It sharpened his ability to focus and strengthened his social skills.

Mariana and Brian decided to pursue the idea of a rock-climbing team for people who had intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Not only did they believe it could help Jake and others like him to develop physical strength, confidence, and independence…

But that it could also help create awareness of the potential for rock-climbing to positively impact people with intellectual and physical disabilities.

United Rocks “Unity with Community” was born.