USA Climbing recently released a press announcement celebrating young athletes who have competed in a Youth National Championship every year for at least nine years (and thus progressed from the youngest Youth D age category to the oldest Junior category). But, in addition to celebrating well-known former youth athletes such as Lauren Bair, Joe Goodacre, Natalia Grossman, and others, the announcement introduced a number of new honors known collectively as the “Best-of-Season” awards (and more formally as the organization’s Annual Awards and Recognition Program).
These “Best-of-Season” awards are intended “to honor individuals, teams, facilities, and events that stand out in the USA Climbing Community each year,” according to USA Climbing. Categories for the new awards include: Athlete of the Year, Teammate of the Year, Team of the Year, Coach of the Year, Routesetter of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Event of the Year, and Gym of the Year. Each award has its own set of criteria. For example, qualifications for Gym of the Year range from demonstrating outstanding contributions to the community and demonstrating improvement in the facility to acting as a role model for other gyms. (It should be noted that multiple gyms can receive the award).
“We cannot succeed without the tireless efforts and passion of our community,” said USA Climbing’s CEO, Marc Norman. “These awards will celebrate those who keep our sport vibrant and exciting.”
More details and information about applications for the various awards can be found here. The deadline for submissions is August 20, 2020. Stay tuned to CBJ for information about the winners, which will be announced in September, and the latest USA Climbing news.
Climbing Business Journal is an independent news outlet dedicated to covering the indoor climbing industry. Here you will find the latest coverage of climbing industry news, gym developments, industry best practices, risk management, climbing competitions, youth coaching and routesetting. Have an article idea? CBJ loves to hear from readers like you!
