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Rick Welch looks like a sea captain. Or I think I’ll say, see-captain. Read on to learn why.Rick is currently my belayer with United Rocks. A member of the Sportrock Rio team coached by Travis Robinson.Rick is easy to like.He joined United Rocks because Travis asked him to. He is committed to the team. He rarely misses practice.He greets everyone he sees with a wide smile and a soft hello. He is tall. A person you look up to, and he does the same to you. Never judging you but seeing you with curiosity instead. Welcoming you always, and you...

I couldn’t take my eyes off him. Trust me, you wouldn’t either.It was our turn. Bodies in a vertical endeavor to be included. The exhibition climb at the Minneapolis Special Olympics was our chance. United by a goal our team tied in. It was time to show the committee we are climbers.I was looking to prove I’m the best.I am a skilled climber, but I quickly learned that was unimportant here. My ego was put in its place when I met Foster.Foster is many things I’m sure. What you will notice first is he is blind. What I noticed is,...

Hi United Rocks. I’m Noah Simmons, a non-speaking autistic climber from Bethesda, MD. I want you all to know climbing saved my life.I truly mean that. I spent almost 15 years silent. My mouth cannot vocalize words. I can think them, I understand everything, but my mouth is offline.The world thought I was dumb.There isn’t a nicer way to say that.Few people could see the real me.Even fewer just accepted me as I was.The wall did both without hesitation, without proof.I have been asked to share my story.I would also like to help tell yours.I’ll start by sharing a piece...