Bend Endurance Academy (BEA) is sending six athletes from the climbing program to the USA Climbing Youth National Championships. After nine months of qualifying events, Regional Championships and Divisional Championships in the three disciplines of bouldering, toprope/lead and speed climbing, the top athletes in the nation head to Salt Lake City, Utah. In order to make the Nationals event, climbers must place in the top six in their Division, which includes all youth climbers from Oregon, Washington and Alaska.
“The dedication, focus and effort required to qualify for Nationals is immense,” says Cate Beebe, BEA’s climbing director. “These climbers have pushed themselves not only physically, through training and workouts, but mentally as well, through competition simulation, visualization, and tactical preparation. We’re so excited that they get to climb more awesome routes, gain valuable experience, see friends from across the country, and bond as a team.”
Nationals climbers include Mathew Borne (speed climbing), Nathaniel Perullo (lead/boulder), Wyatt Perullo (lead/boulder), Quinn Nash-Webber (toprope/boulder), Soren Hasselblad (toperope/boulder), and Coby Smith (toprope). Cate Beebe and Mike Rougeux will be coaching the climbers throughout the entire event, from July 8 to July 16. Check out the livestream for the competition here!
On the heels of Nationals, BEA will open its new youth specific climbing facility in Bend in mid-July. The facility will not only help these climbers from the Competition Teams continue training to the national and international level, but will also allow expansion of BEA’s development programs for beginning and intermediate climbers. More information about the facility can be found at bendenduranceacademy.org/rock-climbing.
About Bend Endurance Academy:
The Bend Endurance Academy is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in Central Oregon with a mission to promote healthy living through active, outdoor experiences. We emphasize teamwork, inclusion, personal growth, and community responsibility.
Founded in 2009, the Bend Endurance Academy currently features development programs for youth and juniors in Rock Climbing, Cycling, and Nordic Skiing. In 2019, more than 900 people participated in our programs and participants ranged in age from 4-74 years of age.
The Academy operates in the Deschutes National Forest under a Special Use Permit from the US Forest Service and in partnership with the Bend Rock Gym, Meissner Nordic and many local businesses.
Mission:
The Bend Endurance Academy promotes healthy living through active, outdoor experiences. All programs offered emphasize teamwork, inclusion, personal growth, and community responsibility.
Vision:
A world with active, inspired and more engaged people.
