Central Saanich, BC – The Boulders Climbing Gym at Stelly’s Secondary School will be the first facility in North America to host a World Youth Climbing Championships, in August 2013. The decision was made this weekend in Rome, Italy, by the International Federation of Sport Climbing. In 2008, climbing was recognized by the International Olympic Committee, and is moving through the process to become an Olympic event.

This news comes on the heels of a decision by School District 63 to approve a climbing academy at Stelly’s Secondary School, which will be the only program of its kind at a public school in North America. Students (from grade nine to twelve) will be able to replace two courses a year with climbing-related content, including the opportunity to earn introductory climbing instructor certifications from the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides. Enrolment for the program starts in March 2011, for intake in September 2011.