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The Worlds are Here!

After months of training, Canada's junior climbers are set to compete against the world's best

Central Saanich, BC – Over 470 young athletes from 34 countries have arrived at The Boulders Climbing Gym in Central Saanich to compete in the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) 2013 World Youth Climbing Championships that takes place today through Monday.

The event kicks off this evening, Thursday August 15th at 8:00 pm with an Opening Ceremonies that will feature an amazing, aerial dance performance by the Aeriosa Dance Society, and a traditional drumming and dance display from the OCM (Our Culture Matters) Drum Group, made up of young drummers and dancers from the Tsawout and Tsartlip First Nations. A number of local dignitaries, including Central Saanich Mayor Alistair Bryson, will be on hand to offer welcoming remarks. The public is welcome to attend and admission is free.

Climbing gets underway with qualifying rounds for the lead/difficulty climbing category taking place all day Friday and Saturday beginning at 9:30 am, while the exciting speed competition runs all day Sunday with the final rounds beginning at 4:30 pm.

Semi-finals (9:30 am) and finals (4:30 pm) in difficulty take place Monday, with the awards and closing ceremonies at 7:30 pm.

In addition to the climbing competition, a marketplace will be set up at the venue, featuring local foods and crafts for everyone in attendance.

Admission to the competition events Friday through Sunday is free, while there is a $5 admission for the semi-finals and finals on Monday.

If you are looking for something different to do this weekend, please come out to support these amazing athletes and learn more about the world of sport climbing.

For more information please head to http://climbtheboulders.com/world-youth-championships/

The Boulders Climbing Gym is adjacent to Stelly’s Secondary School in Central Saanich (1627 Stelly’s Cross Road). Free parking is available at the school but will be limited. Additional parking will be available at Centennial Park or Brentwood Bay Elementary, both a ten minute walk from the school.

About the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC)
The International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) was created in 2007 and is a non-governmental international association with a non-profit-making purpose of international interest. The principal purposes of the IFSC are the direction, regulation, promotion, development and furtherance of international climbing competitions (Lead, Speed and Boulder). The IFSC fosters links, networks, and friendly relations among its members, their climbers and officials. The IFSC is recognised by the IOC and is member of ARISF, SportAccord and IWGA. For more details, please visit the IFSC web page at http://www.ifsc-climbing.org

About the Boulders Climbing Gym
The Boulders Climbing Gym is a not-for-profit society, with the mandate of making climbing accessible for everyone, regardless of ability or ability to pay. With over 13,000 square feet (1,208 square metres) of climbing space, The Boulders Climbing Gym is a community facility and a unique social enterprise, providing adaptive recreation and rehabilitation programs, youth recreational and competitive programs, as well as facilitating a climbing academy at Stelly’s Secondary School. All instructors are certified by the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides. See www.climbtheboulders.com for more details.

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