New climbing wall to 'make Manx scout movement more inclusive'

The reconstruction of a climbing wall for Manx scouts will help to make the organisation more inclusive, the island commissioner has said.

A grant of £34,859 from the Manx Lottery Trust will be used to revamp the attraction at the Ballasalla camp.

Guy Thompson said the new design would provide a safer environment "for our scouts to learn and grow".

The new sloping wall, which simulates rock climbing, will also have an overhead cover to allow year-round use.

Mr Thompson said the new wall would accommodate the organisation's youngest scouts, the Beavers, and children with additional needs.

He said: "The climbing wall has played a vital role in the lives of children and offers an inclusive climbing experience for those who require additional support.

"With the addition of a cover and a rock-climbing feature, we are excited to provide an even safer and more inclusive climbing environment for our scouts to learn and grow."

Trust chairman Stephen Turner said improving the accessibility and safety of the climbing wall would give "children of all abilities the opportunity to experience the joys of climbing".

A second lottery grant of £13,100 has also been awarded to the organisation to fund the installation of defibrillators at each of its six regional headquarters on the island and the Ballasalla campsite.

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