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In February 2005, with the motivation of his friends, Debbie and Eric Lowther founded the now popular Rory Lowther Memorial Challenge in remembrance of their son, Rory who passed away in a climbing accident on 3 February 2004.
The purpose of the challenge was to help develop safety and training within the sport of rock climbing. Rory was an avid rock climber and started climbing at the age of 16. He accomplished in years what some may dream of in a lifetime. Together with Andrew Porter, Rory at the age of 19 compiled and published the "Crags of Cauteng" Route Guide, another one of his many goals was to run competitions and inspire the youth in the sport that he was so passionate about. The Challenge has captured that goal and over the years has become an event looked forward to by many.
Rock climbing is becoming more and more popular and over the last 8 years, ”The Rory” has grown into a high profile event promoting awareness, development and community involvement – taking the sport of rocking climbing to even greater heights. The MSCA (Mountain Club of South Africa) and SANCF (South African National Climbing Federation have been instrumental in offering advice on the scoring, routes and technical aspects of climbing.
The purpose of the Rory Lowther Memorial Challenge is to promote SAFETY & TRAINING within the realms of Rock Climbing in South Africa. The implementation of compulsory Helmet's is now mandatory, as per cycling the 'no helmet no climb' rule applies. Beginners are requested to do an assessment prior to the challenge, in order to determine their capabilities and to enforce the safety issues. Our goal is for the young climbers starting out, think "Safety First"
Furthermore, over the past 7 years our efforts have resulted in donations of equipment to the Johannesburg and Kwazulu Natal MOUNTAIN CLUB SEARCH & RESCUE TEAMS who are instrumental in many areas of Mountain Rescue. The team played an important role in a recent search & rescue in Tzaneen.
The COMPASSIONATE FRIENDS ORGANISATION offer wonderful support for parents who have lost children, and to siblings.
BENEFITS OF ROCK CLIMBING |
There are as many benefits to climbing as there are glorious mountains jutting out of the earth. Rock climbing is an indoor and outdoor recreational sport that is one of the world;s fastest growing mainstreatm sporting activtiities. Once thought of as a sport only for adrenaline junkies, with good instruction and modern safety equipment, it is safe and enjoyable for anyone of any age to climb at their own comfort and ability level. |
