FOUR members of the Alton High-Sports under-16 climbing squad travelled to the Stronghold Climbing Centre in London to compete in the second Blokfest competition. 

Blokfest is a ‘bouldering’ event that involves relatively low height climbing with safety floor matting. Engineered climbing grips are used to provide a challenging climbing environment which can be set to vary the route. Each Blokfest competition requires the competitors to climb 25 specific and graded routes.

The London competition was open to all climbers and was well attended by clubs from across the south of England, as well as members of the UK junior climbing squad.

The Alton team on the High Sports climbing facility at Alton Sports Centre, which currently provides a comprehensive array of high and low-level climbing for both children and adults to a national competitive standard.

Chris Vines, spokesman for the junior team, said members train at least twice a week and are participating in the series of Blokfest competitions throughout the winter. Three members of Alton’s senior squad also competed in London.

Alton Sports Centre was also the starting point for former Alton College student Imogen Horrocks, who is now part of the British youth bouldering team.

But competition training at Alton is likely to cease with the building of the new sports centre which will see a downgrading of climbing facilities.

Mr Vines said: “The clip and climb recreational setting proposed for the new sports centre would be climbing-based entertainment for children and would provide no development of the skills and strength required to participate in any climbing competition.”

Commenting on behalf of Everyone Active, which now runs Alton Sports Centre, area contract manager David Love said: “It’s important that people are given the chance to progress in their chosen activity. We will be looking into partnership opportunities with other climbing providers that ensure there are clear pathways offered to those who want to progress onto more elite levels of climbing.”