CENTRAL SAANICH — The Boulders Climbing Gym will play host to the top climbers in the country this weekend for the 2013 Canadian National Climbing Championships.
The Canadian championships will feature the best youth climbers in the country as well as a number from the U.S. competing in a range of age categories in two disciplines, speed climbing and difficulty climbing.
“If you’ve never been to see a climbing competition, then you owe it to yourself to come out and watch the nationals over the long weekend,” said Boulders Board Chair Kimanda Jarzebiak.
“We will have some of the best young athletes from across the country at the event, and I know they will put on a fantastic show for all the fans.”
Almost 80 climbers have registered to date for the event including 30 from Alberta, 24 from B.C. and 19 from Ontario.
The U.S. will also be represented by four climbers.
The nationals begin with qualifying rounds in the Difficulty/Lead Climbing events from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, May 18, with semi-finals held Sunday, May 19 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and finals on Monday, May 20 from 9 a.m. to noon.
The Speed Climbing competition (all rounds) takes place beginning at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 19.
An award ceremony will follow all events at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, May 20.
– With files from The Boulders