With the help of adaptive harnesses, kids with amputations, cerebral palsy, and other physical limitations made it to the top of the rock at MetalMark Climbing and Fitness in East Central Fresno. Some of the climbers had scaled the wall before, but it was a first for many others.
Organizers say this activity allows kids to overcome their fears and feel proud of themselves.
"It's paramount to their physical, emotional health, their psychological well-being," said Dr. Jennifer Crocker, medical director, Children's Hospital Central California rehabilitation center. "It really just instills a ton of confidence in kids that might not have the opportunity to shine. They're able to do some of those things that their able-bodied siblings have been doing forever, and they've been cheering on the sidelines, and now they're the stars and doing it themselves."
The free program put on by Children's Hospital is open to all kids in the Valley with disabilities.
