JORDAN: Wall climbers from around the world travel to Jordan to compete in the sport's world cup

Record ID: 406459

  • Title: JORDAN: Wall climbers from around the world travel to Jordan to compete in the sport's world cup
  • Date: 26th October 2011
  • Summary: SIGN READING: "INTERNATIONAL CLIMBING WORLD CUP" VARIOUS OF CLIMBERS LINING UP AHEAD OF START OF COMPETITION VARIOUS OF CLIMBERS ASSESSING THE WALL
  • Embargoed: 10th November 2011 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Jordan, Jordan
  • Country: Jordan
  • Topics: Sports
  • Reuters ID: LVA1OIUOHDQITHQRDCR5QOZQ06A0
  • Story Text: Wall climbers from around the world travel to Jordan to compete in the sport's world cup.
    Wall climbing enthusiasts hope Jodan's hosting of a climbing world cup event will promote the kingdom as a sport climbing destination in the region.
    A wall of nearly 25 metres was specially constructed in greater Amman, at a centre near the Dead Sea, for the event, to test the speed and agility of contestants from different countries.
    Those taking part came from Austria, Belgium, China, Spain, France, Italy, Russia, Slovenia, Japan, South Korea, Lebanon and Jordan.
    "Climbing is a natural movement," said Pierre-Henri Paillasson, secretary general of the International Federation of Sport Climbing.
    "Every kid would like to climb until the beginning of their life, so I think this is a reason why climbing and sport climbing will become a great sport in the future," he added.
    The world cup is classified into three categories: Lead Climbing, Bouldering and Speed Climbing. Jordan hosted one of the Lead Climbing competitions -- one of the toughest events, according to organizers.
    The world cup comprises of 10 events held in different cities around the world, the gold medal going to climbers with the highest number of points from all categories.
    One climbing fan said she was proud such an event was being held in Jordan.
    "This sport can grow in Jordan as we have little awareness of outdoor sports. It is an important thing to have rock climbing events because people in neighbouring countries can participate in such events," said Maria Hadad.
    Another fan, Mohammad, agreed.
    "This is the first time we have a climbing world cup in the Arab region. This is an important competition and encourages sport in Jordan and particularly climbing," he said.
    World cup holder Ramon Julian Puigblanque from Spain was among contestants at the Jordan event but failed to shine as the first place went to Jakob Schubert from Austria. First place in the category for women was won by Mina Markovic from Slovakia.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
  • Copyright Notice: (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2011. Open For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
  • Usage Terms/Restrictions: None
Register