No. 10 Summit 09/10/2008

Around 120 people from the British climbing and mountaineering scene, covering all aspects of the sport, from training to talented hot-shots, attended a reception for the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) at Downing street on Wednesday evening.

Among those travelling from North Wales to No. 10 were Lindsay Griffin (Editor - Mountain Info), Martin Doyle (Plas y Brenin Chief Exec), Peter Robins (Climber), Richard Cuthbertson (Director DMM), Steve Mayers (Beacon Climbing Centre), Owen Hayward (Head of Outdoor Ed. Service), and Mike Raine (BMC Cymru Chairman).

This reception for the BMC, the national representative body of mountaineering, climbing and hill-walking, was a unique opportunity to raise the profile of the sport. It was originally to have been personally hosted by Gordon Brown, but understandably, given the economic problems, he was unable to attend and the Sports Minister, Gerry Sutcliffe, replaced him.

One of Britain's best known climbers, Leo Houlding, addressing the gathering that included ministers and senior civil servants, spoke of developing his climbing skills in Wales and how the activity touches many participants at a level few sports manage, as well as teaching self-reliance and a respect for the Earth along the way. He also highlighted that for many climbers it becomes a sport for life and in the light of 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.

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, bringing with it 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 for Bassetlaw, held an informal media briefing on the terrace at the House of Commons. Commenting on the significance of the Downing Street reception, he explained that very few sports get such an invite from the Prime Minister and usually it was following special sporting triumphs. "It demonstrates that the BMC has a growing respect in Government."

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 importance of coastal access being enshrined within the Marine Bill for both England and Wales was also discussed.

More at thebmc.co.uk.

Photos

top: From L-R, Leo Houlding, Sir Chris Bonington and Andy Cave after the reception at No. 10. © Ray Wood

lower: 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

Topic: British Mountaineering Council, Downing Street Reception. 

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