Support our Mision and Join our Team!
We have created a rock climbing team to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to promote physical, mental and social skills. The minimum age requirement to participate is 3.Â
We have practices once a week for 2 hours. We currently have practices at Summit Climbing Gyms in Plano and Grapevine TX, on Sundays from 10am-12pm, except for the 3rd Sunday of every month that we are off.Â
We recommend to come at least 3 practices, first time might be hard for some kids since everything is new and overwhelming. Sometimes kids don’t want to wear the harness and climbing shoes and that is totally ok, make sure your child wears close toe shoes and comfortable clothes.
One of our main goal is to have teams all over USA to introduce the sport of rock climbing into Special Olympics and compete nationally.Â
FIRST TIME COMING TO PRACTICE:
- EVERYONE coming to the gym climbing or not need to have a waiver, click this link to fill Summit’s waiver
- Click the “REGISTER” button below
- Once we get your information we will send you forms to fill out before practice
- Add our email to your list of safe senders (info@unitedrocks.org or mariana@unitedrocks.org)
Questions, email us at info@unitedrocks.org
Support our Organization to Promote Opportunities
United Rocks offers rock climbing opportunities. Our committed, enthusiastic and fun rock climbing team serves kids ages 3+ with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We are practicing top rope right now.
There are 4 types of rock climbing:
Top Rope
It is a type of climbing on longer walls using a fixed rope. The rope runs from the belayer at the bottom of the direction to an anchor system at the top and backs down to the climber.
Auto belay
This is an automatic device that takes up slack as the climber climbs the wall and controls the descent, eradicating the need for a belay partner.
Bouldering
It is all about climbing on shorter walls, without a rope above crash mats. Â
Lead Climbing
It is climbing on longer walls, without a fixed rope. As the climber goes up, they slide the rope into safety equipment connected to the wall.
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Benefits of Rock Climbing
This sport pushes the climber to his/her limits and gives them a huge sense of accomplishment. Rock climbing is a low-impact exercise, which means it is easier on the body, particularly the joints, while still being a great full-body workout.
Builds Physical Strength
Although safe and appropriate for beginners, rock climbing works lots of different muscles at the same time. It increases strength, grip, flexibility, and endurance. It’s great for balance and increasing mobility.
Sharpens Mental Skills
Physical activity stimulates the brain and improves cognitive function. Rock climbing develops hand-eye coordination while increasing the sense of spatial awareness. It boosts problem-solving skills and focuses the mind. The sport even has meditative effects relieving stress, and bolsters ambition and personal motivation.
Promotes Social Interactions
Climbers are very social; they welcome and support new climbers, giving them a sense of belonging. The sport builds confidence, trust, and a sense of happiness. Rock climbing improves communication skills and is great for building self-esteem.
