The Friends of Outdoor Chattanooga (FOC) have issued a challenge to area organizations and businesses to support the City of Chattanooga, Outdoor Chattanooga’s Interscholastic Climbing League (CAICL). Eleven area high schools have built teams for students in grades 9-12 to compete in meets at area indoor climbing gyms during the current school year.

The CAICL program, which will host its inaugural season under the guidance of Outdoor Chattanooga Recreation Programs Coordinator Terri Chapin, is designed to help youth access and engage with the sport of climbing, especially beginners.

“My hope is that these kids can be introduced to a pastime that will challenge and sustain them throughout their lives,” said Ms. Chapin. “We don’t want cost to be a barrier for anyone who wants to climb.”

Three area commercial climbing gyms, High Point Climbing and Fitness, the Tennessee Bouldering Authority and Urban Rocks Gym, will sponsor six meets over the course of the winter.  Cost for each student, per meet, will be $8. Meets will take place on Nov. 1, 15 and Dec. 6, and Jan. 10, 24 and Feb. 7, 2015.

The Friends of Outdoor Chattanooga have started the scholarship fund with a donation of $300, which will support one team of six students for six meets and/or selected meets and practice sessions. FOC Chairman John Karr asks area businesses, nonprofits, churches and individuals to meet the $300 challenge, which will be spread among the league to minimize costs to student participants.

“The Interscholastic Climbing League is a brand new program, designed to engage students who otherwise might not be attracted to traditional team sports,” said Mr. Karr. “Climbing builds physical fitness and agility, as well as confidence and trust. It also encourages participation in a pursuit that can last these students a lifetime, particularly in the Chattanooga area.”

There are 11 schools participating in the league:

Brainerd High School

Chattanooga Christian School (CCS)

Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy (CGLA)

Chattanooga School for Arts and Sciences (CSAS)

Girls Preparatory School (GPS)

Howard High School

Ivy Academy

McCallie School

Ridgeland High School (GA)

Sewanee St. Andrews

Signal Mtn. High School

Donations to the CIACL scholarship fund may be designated for a particular school or for general distribution. Funds donated for general distribution will be divided evenly among participating teams to allocate to students with financial need.  Schools without students in financial need may refuse general distribution funds.

To donate, please make a check payable to:

The Friends of Outdoor Chattanooga, Inc. 
200 River Street 
Chattanooga, TN 37405

To learn more about supporting CAICL, contact John Karr or Mark Pryzbysz at info@outdoorchattanoogafriends.org.

 Additional information about CAICL is available at Outdoorchattanooga.com.