09/10/2008Downing Street Summit for British Climbing

When Leo Houlding started making headlines in the climbing world, it never crossed his mind that one day it would lead him to be making a speech inside No.10 Downing Street. Yet, yesterday evening, there he was, amid the grandeur and chandeliers of upstairs at Gordon Brown's, addressing the reception being held for the BMC in celebration of British Mountaineering.

After giving a quick run-through of his climbing career, not failing to mention being arrested for climbing The Angel of the North, Leo explained how "climbing touches many of us at a level few sports reach" and that "it is a sport many will participate in for the rest of our lives, teaching great self-reliance and a respect for the Earth."

In the light of the emphasis on the 2012 Olympics, he finished-off by asking "Sport England not to overlook non-Olympic elite sport performers such as in climbing" when it comes to funding. Around 120 people from the world of mountaineering, covering all aspects from training to cutting edge youths such as James Pearson, joined ministers and senior civil servants at the reception that was originally to have been personally hosted by Gordon Brown. Understandably, given the economic melt-down, he was otherwise occupied and the Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe took his place.

Following on from Leo, the Sports Minister talked about the Government looking to sports, like climbing, that can create participation. He recognised that the BMC reaches young people, with the associated benefits of raising self-esteem and educational attainment. Finally, he paid tribute to the world-leading climbers and mountaineers from the U.K. and said: "This is a sport we want to work with."

Earlier in the day, John Mann MP, held an informal media briefing on the terrace at the House of Commons. He explained that very few sports get such an invite to Downing Street and usually it was following special sporting triumphs. "It demonstrates that the BMC has a growing respect in Government."

Commenting on the significance of the Downing Street reception, Mann spoke of climbing and hill-walking hitting the Government's agenda for social and health reasons. He believes that, "it is viewed as a good way of engaging with young people, being aspirational and promoting healthy living."

The BMC is currently awaiting the decision of a funding application with Sport England, who allocate govenment funds for sport at a community level, in order to support the BMC's general work. Hopefully, the evening will have helped raise the profile of climbing and mountaineering within the British Government.

For more go to thebmc.co.uk

Photos
top: Leo Houlding and Sir Chris Bonington leaving the reception at 10 Downing Street. © Ray Wood

lower: From L-R, Dave Turnbull (BMC CEO), John Mann MP and Dr Charles Clarke (BMC President) at the House of Commons for the media briefing. © Ray Wood