Bouldering challenge for Whitworth students

Jess Jevons on the bouldering wall

Students from Whitworth Community High School scrambled over boulders when the school took part in its first ever climbing competition.

The Year 7/8 boys climbing team qualified for the Lancashire School Games after winning the Rossendale competition.

Jess Jevons, 11, was the youngest and smallest member of the Whitworth team, but she did her best against students who were much taller.

She said: “It was really hard and I think it was really made for people who are bigger than me. I completed six out of the 25 walls and got 60 points.

“You had to start in a certain position and then when you had finished the climb hold yourself with both hands on the same hold before jumping off and on to the next.

“It was fun and it was the first time the school had entered a climbing competition.”

The team that went to the Manchester Bouldering Championships at Rock Over Climbing was selected from members of the afterschool climbing club.

Zac, 14, was the oldest student from Whitworth to attend. He said: “I managed five out of the 25 walls and by the end my arms and legs were shattered.

“If you got to the top of the wall on your first attempt you got 10 points, on the second try seven points and then just three if you succeeded on the third attempt.

“I enjoy climbing because when you get to the top of a wall I like the satisfaction that you get thinking, ‘I did it.’”