NOVICE  

The event showcased personal stories of paraclimbers-blind and visually impaired, mobility-impaired, hearing-impaired, neurodiverse (post-brain injury), and those with long-term illnesses. Each story highlighted how paraclimbing helps push the boundaries of what is possible, overcome obstacles, and strengthen self-confidence.
Additionally, the event created space for dialogue about the inclusion of people with disabilities in sports and society, sharing best practices, and inspiring stories.

Nataša Privošnik's story is a perfect example:»When I climb, my body and limitations are not in the foreground. It's just me, the wall, and the feeling that I can do more than I think. Every movement is a challenge and proof that I can move forward. Every hold is a small victory. Climbing teaches me patience, trust in my body, and belief in myself. It doesn't matter how fast I reach the top; what matters is that I keep going.«

Paraclimbers had the opportunity to pause, connect, talk, and get to know one another-in a place where people, not diagnoses, meet and genuine conversations unfold.

They shared reflections on what climbing means to them, how they experience the climbing community, the importance of inclusion and mutual support, and the role of belonging. For Slovenian paraclimber Ksenija Oblak, climbing represents the realization of a lifelong dream and proof that it's never too late to start:»When I am on the wall, time stops. There I find my peace. My focus is entirely on my movements and my body's responses. Every muscle becomes part of the plan, and every thought is directed toward the next hold. The feeling of overcoming a difficult section fills me with pride and gratitude.«
"You are never alone on the wall, even when climbing solo,« was a recurring thought among the paraclimbers. Under the wall, they were not competitors, but a community.

Austrian paraclimbing champion Daniel Wiener dedicates himself to promoting and broadening understanding of paraclimbing as a space for personal growth, pushing boundaries, and finding inner balance:»I feel best when I am fully present in the moment-which can be very challenging, especially in competitions or under pressure from goals and expectations. But when I manage to find balance among all influences, I feel completely in the flow, light, almost effortless-as if everything flows naturally.«

Volunteers - the silent backbone of paraclimbing
A special focus of the event was on volunteers, without whom paraclimbing would simply not be possible. Even among paraclimbers, volunteers are present.
Belayers, guides, coordinators, coaches, and assistants are not just technical support-they form the foundation of trust and safety, allowing paraclimbers to relax, find their rhythm, and progress on the wall.
"When you know someone is behind you, you dare more. Trust in belaying allows you to go beyond your limits,« paraclimbers emphasized.

Volunteering proved to be the connective tissue of the entire event-volunteers envisioned, prepared, and executed it. They linked people, created a safe and encouraging environment, and enabled each participant to fully focus on their climbing route.
Paraclimbers - extraordinary individuals, extraordinary stories

Each paraclimber brought their own story to the wall-stories of injury, illness, different bodies, but also stories of persistence, courage, and unwavering love for climbing.»Paraclimbing is not about finding shortcuts but finding your own path among the holds.«

For Daniel Wiener, paraclimbing is simply another word for climbing:»Mountains and walls don't judge or set limits. They just exist. Humans impose limits when we label, categorize, and assess things-which can be useful but also limiting. Climbing is a method of overcoming challenges with what we have, what we can create, and how we execute it. In the end, we are all humans-climbers with different potentials, challenges, strengths, and weaknesses-who want to grow, develop, and reach our goals.«

This idea connected the diverse experiences of all participants, emphasizing that climbing-regardless of ability-is above all a path of personal growth, self-trust, and connection.
Over two days, 14 paraclimbers attracted more than 200 visitors with their presence, climbing, and energy. Visitors witnessed not only climbing virtuosity on the wall but also a living dialogue between sport and society, and between the individual and the community.

Connections beyond sport
The event was not just a presentation of sport climbing but a space for meeting and understanding. Paraclimbers emphasized that what matters most is being seen, heard, and accepted as they are.

»Paraclimbing is not an adapted version of sport, but an equal space where courage, trust, and community meet. Inclusion enriches everyone-both people with disabilities and society at large,« the inPlaninec Committee stresses.

"When we connect, labels disappear. All that remains is the person,« was one of the event's most powerful messages.
The climbing community emerged as an environment where disability is neither hidden nor highlighted but naturally coexists with movement, effort, and achievement.

Strong message of the event: together we can
Paraclimbing demonstrates that limits often exist only in our minds, not in our bodies. When paraclimbers, volunteers, coaches, and visitors connect, a space emerges where more is possible than anyone dares to dream.
Carolin Heberle reflected on how paraclimbing changes society's perception of disability:»Paraclimbing makes disability visible in everyday activities like sport, as well as in competitions. Visibility leads to many things. It shows how normal we are, what we can achieve, and the challenges we face in life. It can also inspire, foster inclusion, and increase accessibility. I meet many open-minded people genuinely interested in this. More importantly, it's about mutual support, collective growth, as climbers and as a society.«

The first international paraclimbing showcase event took place at the Climbing Center Celje and the Ljubljana Diocesan Classical Gymnasium. Both venues, through their openness and support, enabled the event and contributed to a sense of acceptance and accessibility. The welcoming and inclusive atmosphere was supported by: inPlaninec ambassador Marija Štremfelj, Committee leader Jurček Nowakk, Sport Climbing Director Klemen Belhar, Slovenian paraclimbing national team coach Marko Guna, sport climbing coach Gorazd Hren, sport climbers Lucija Tarkuš, Lučka Rakovec, Luka Potočar, and paraclimber Manca Smrekar. In Celje, attendees were welcomed by Jernej Gračner and Deputy Mayor Samo Seničar. The event was wheelchair accessible and included a Slovenian sign language interpreter.

Volunteer Alenka Sakelšek provides belaying support, but her role goes beyond technical safety. She explains:»Every climber requires a different connection: with each, I establish a unique rhythm of trust, as if I were speaking a different language. This sensitivity to the individual creates a safe space where the climber can fully focus on themselves.«

During these days, paraclimbing proved once again to be more than just a sport. The wall became a space of freedom.
Paraclimbers describe the experience:»Time stops, thoughts calm, and only the body in motion and a clear goal above remain.«

The event demonstrated that paraclimbing is not just competition or training but a community, a message, and proof that we are capable of more than we think.

inPlaninec Committee
PARACLIMBING Working Group
Alpine Association of Slovenia