Volunteers providing adaptive climbing opportunities to build community
In this video, join a group of military veterans as they discuss working together to build community and trust with an adaptive climbing group.
When a gunfight in Iraq left Rex Laceby injured, he wasn't sure if he'd be able to climb again. But a unique adaptive climbing program developed by Paradox Sports helped him regain confidence and skills, as well as build friendships and trust. Today Rex leads climbing trips for other veterans through Paradox and he, as well as veteran and climber Luis Carlos Frias, share their stories.
Paradox Sports provides adaptive climbing opportunities for those with missing limbs, visual impairment, PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, etc. They also offer various types of climbing experiences such as mountaineering, ice climbing and rock climbing at local and national locations. Through their volunteer-led adaptive climbing groups, climbers are able to push their limits, in turn helping build confidence. The program utilizes different types of adaptive climbing equipment as well as instruction on using different knots and ropes to aid in climbing. These experiences provide opportunities and helps build a community for individuals with different abilities.
Climbing group members are comprised of people from all walks of life, including veterans. Every person in the military will eventually be a veteran and each person transitions back to civilian life differently. Through the adaptive climbing groups, there is opportunity to meet people from all over — it doesn’t matter the background. Reconnecting with a tribe brings back some of the same feelings of trust found in the military. It allows climbers the opportunity to become a band of brothers and sisters, giving them a place where they belong again.
With over 61 million Americans — that's 1 in 4 people living with a disability, there is a need for volunteers to roll-up their sleeves and help. Even if you’re not in the position to dedicate time to volunteer, there are still ways that you can contribute by spreading kindness to those around you or being mindful of your neighbors. If you are in the position to help, taking a part (whether big or small) in an organization is a great opportunity — everybody wins! Not only does State Farm® donate money — we help people and communities create positive, sustainable and measurable societal impact. Helping is at the heart of who we are.
