With Paraclimbing debuting in 2028 at the Los Angeles Paralympics, Rise Above wants to remove financial barriers to help foster new athletes who dream of representing Canada!

$250 will be given to two aspiring competitiors to attend their first National or International competition.

To Qualify:

-          You must be a Canadian citizen and current resident of Ontario

-          Must be minimum 18 years of age

-          You must meet the criteria for Paralympic classification.

-          You must not have already attended a national or international IFSC sanctioned paraclimbing event.

-          Must demonstrate a commitment to training

-          Must have attended at least one prior RAAC climb

 Chosen recipients may use the funds to support themselves and up to 1 caller (if in the B category) or assistant in expenses related to travel, accommodations, or competition fees for their attendance at either:

Canada Para National Championships February 7-8th 2026, La Prarie QC

USA Para Climbing Nationals, Feb 28th- Mar 1st 2026, Katy TX.

 Recipients must provide receipts within 30 days following their chosen event, and will be required to film a short interview detailing their experience at the competition for social media and the RAAC website.

Important Notes for Applicants:

• Paraclimbers must be able to climb completely independantly via top rope belay, with no mechanical advantage systems or helpers to move their limbs, or hold their body weight. Once you fall, you will be lowered immediately and will not be able to climb the route again.

• If you are visually impaired/blind, you may utilize a Caller that you must provide yourself, as well as your communication system of choice that is not a cell phone.

• It is not currently required that climbers go through formal classification at the Canadian Paraclimbing Nationals, though it is expected that you be honest about your sport class. Formal classification at USA Paraclimbing Nationals is a hard requirement, which requires medical documentation and a bench test.

• Recipients are expected to make their own travel and accommodation arrangements.

• RAAC is happy to answer questions related to our grant, but any questions regarding the competitions - including registration, payment, and the classification process - should be directed to either Canada Escalade Climbing, or USA Climbing.