NANNING, China, July 11 (Xinhua) -- Standing under the artificial climbing wall, 12-year-old Wei Changcheng is ready to compete with his peer Huang Deyang. At their coach's command, these two young climbers struggle upward and reach the top easily within 15 seconds.
"My best result to the top is 12 seconds," said Wei, who has been training speed climbing for over one year and has participated in many competitions with good results. "I want to be a professional rock climber in the future," he said.
Wei was born in Leye county in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, where an ideal destination for rock climbing enthusiasts is nestled among the majestic karst pinnacles. Hidden within the verdant landscape are caves, overhangs, and towering walls that offer unlimited potentials for rock climbing.
Whether it is a natural rock wall or an artificial climbing wall located in the mountains, it always motivates people to climb. Since last year, more than 20 children like Wei, interested in rock climbing, have come to the rock climbing base in Leye county on weekends to receive training.
Liu Yongbang and Xiao Ting, a couple, are elite rock climbers in China and coach the children. Engaged in rock climbing for more than 10 years, they have been committed to promoting the development of rock climbing in China.
Besides, the couple has also gone abroad to meet friends, further improve their climbing ability, and bring advanced skills and concepts of rock climbing to China. Until now, they have developed more than 1,400 rock climbing routes.
"At first, we kept challenging difficult routes to win the recognition of rock climbers at home and abroad," said Liu, adding that now they are devoted to the development of rock climbing and the promotion of rock climbing culture in China.
In recent years, the couple have organized summer and winter camps for youth rock climbers every year and promote the popularity of rock climbing on campus. With the support of the local government, Yanbang Rock Climbing School was established in Leye county last year.
"Now we are piloting in three schools in the county. Children who are interested in rock climbing can come to the base to train. And every month and every quarter we hold competitions to examine the training result," said Xiao.
"The children currently participating in the training are between 8 and 15 years old. We will continue to tap and train rock climbing talents through our efforts," added Xiao. Enditem
