Dave Denny, climbing wall manager, encouraged members of the community to visit the climbing wall at WCU’s Campus Recreation Center between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to see some competitive climbing and participate in a silent auction fundraiser.

“Climbing is described as mix of chess and dance – of thinking through a problem and completing it gracefully with control,” said Denny. “We also have one of the tallest climbing walls in the Southeast. With the natural light and skylights, you feel like you are climbing into the sky.”

Competitors will tackle short climbs of varying difficulties from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A “dyno competition,” in which competitors attempt a problem that requires a dynamic move such as a jump, will take place from 4:15 to 4:45 p.m. The contest is open to any college student. Registration costs $30 and can be completed online or at 10 a.m. on the day of the event.

An awards ceremony will be held at 5:30 p.m. and be followed by a free screening of Sender Film’s “The Sharp End” in the Catamount Room of the A.K. Hinds University Center.

The silent auction, which includes items ranging from gift cards to pieces of climbing gear, will accept bids from 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Proceeds will support the Carolina Climbers’ Coalition, a nonprofit organization committed to preserving, protecting and expanding climbing opportunities.

Event sponsors include Landmark Learning, Sender Films, NOLS, Misty Mountain, Soul Infusion Tea House & Bistro, Fox Mountain Guides, the ClimbMax Climbing Center in Asheville, Rock and Ice, the Carolina Climbers’ Coalition, Outward Bound and So iLL.

For more information, contact Base Camp Cullowhee at (828) 227-3466 or check out the event Web site.

Maintained by the Office of Public Relations
Last Modified: Monday, April 20, 2009