Gansevoort man set for national climbing competition
HALFMOON, N.Y. » Gansevoort’s Vincent Sablich will join many of America’s top rock climbers on Jan. 27 when The Edge Halfmoon climbing gym at 1544 Route 9 partners with LOVE146 to host The Lead Revival Sport Open.
During the daylong event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., top professional climbers, including recent national champions for both the sport climbing and bouldering disciplines, will have a chance to showcase their talent on a national scale. Organizers will hand out $10,000 in cash prizes to the top six professionals in the men’s and women’s field. The entire climbing community will also have a chance to compete for more than $2,500 in physical prizes. The “flash format” competition will allow advanced and Intermediate competitors to lead climb three routes, while beginners and a second intermediate category will engage in top rope climbing.
“Getting a chance to rub shoulders with the pros and climb right alongside them makes for an exciting day,” said Adam Catalano, competition coordinator and director of The Edge Halfmoon, the Capital Region’s largest indoor climbing center featuring 14,500 square feet of textured climbing terrain, a massive free-standing boulder and a huge selection of top rope and lead routes for climbers of all ages and abilities. “Even though local competitors might not be able to perform at the very highest levels of the sport, it’ll be inspiring to do battle on the next route over.
“We are delighted to partner with LOVE146, a human rights organization that aims to end child trafficking and exploitation, on this event,” added Catalano. “LOVE146 understands that members of the climbing community care deeply about social justice and human rights.”
Intermediate- and procategory climbers will compete for three hours in the morning, while beginner and advanced competitors will take the afternoon shift. The day will round out with a oneroute on sight pro final for the top eight qualifying men and women from 6 to 8 p.m.
The competition entry fee is $60. There is no entry fee for spectators.
To register ore for more information, log on to theedgehalfmoon.com, call (518) 982-5545 or email Adam@TheEdgeHalfmoon.com.