Access to the mountains, regardless of one’s level of ability and psychophysical state, is an exceptional achievement: the natural environment is in fact one where, more than architectural barriers, those related to moral strength, character and human qualities often come into play, which are directly linked to the difficulties faced in life.
Often in these situations, people with disabilities are able to find unconventional paths and technical solutions.
An asset such as the Dolomites, recognised as a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 2009, is only such if it becomes accessible to all: this is the social message we are giving with this project.
It is not possible to establish a priori by whom a route is or is not accessible. There are disabled people who climb very difficult mountains and non-disabled people who struggle to tackle routes that are considered easy.
Dolomiti Open also adheres to the Climb for Inclusion project conceived by Sportfund and Climbing Technology® to instil the values of mountaineering in young people.
The project aims to spread mountaineering as a tool for personal growth and social inclusion. For young people with disabilities or in a socially disadvantaged situation, the project provides the economic and technical tools to become passionate about sporting activity, favouring a positive path to psychophysical health.
The project will serve to promote and support the practice of mountain sports as an extraordinary integration tool.
Among the planned activities, some of which have already begun, will be:
-Indoors climbing, in natural environments and on via ferrata routes
-Hiking, both summer and winter
-Ice climbing
-Ski touring
In addition to the practical activities, the project aims to create, or enhance where they already exist, indoor and outdoor facilities for training and practising mountain sports, and to increase the technology available to athletes with disabilities.
