Mountaineering Assists the Adaptive Climbing Group

4 members of the Army West Point Climbing Team volunteered their time and skills to assist the Adaptive Climbing Group from Brooklyn Boulders. The team coaches for this adventure were Dr. Mark Evans and Sue Kligerman This was an outdoor climbing event held at the Shawagunk Mountain Range in New Paltz, NY. Some participants were visually impaired, others were amputees. The team assisted the athletes to the cliff, set up climbing systems and facilitated an amazing rock climbing experience. Brian Hazen ’17 was paired with a visually impaired athlete and was able to climb side by side describing the features of the rock and the movements needed to successfully ascend. Seniors Micah Gahagen and Daniel Santana were also critical to the mission, setting up ropes belaying climbers and offering guidance and encouragement. Unable to climb because of injury, our MVP of the day, was Annalee Tokarsky ’18. She insured that every adapted athlete had the opportunity to climb. She belayed them, she belayed members of the local climbing community and she belayed her class-mates. Belaying is the system of pulling up rope to keep a climber from falling. It is incredible that we have the opportunity to work with this population. The Climbing team will continue to learn and grow with the adaptive community from NYC. We are looking forward to next year’s event!