THE ALL RISE OUTDOOR PROJECT, INC




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Michael O’Sullivan: SPI Certification

+ Individual Grant Recipient

Micahel O’Sullivan of Chicago, attending a SPI training course at Devils Lake in Baraboo, Wisconsin.

Last August, Chicago local Michael O’Sullivan submitted a grant request to fund Single Pitch Instructor (SPI) training course with Big River Climbing Guides in Wisconsin. Along with his proposal, we received letters of recommendation from We Strive for Change and Escala Chicago. Michael, who serves as the Escala Chicago Chapter leader, has been a dedicated volunteer since the chapter's founding in 2023.

In his proposal, Michael wrote: “Receiving an SPI certification is an essential component for increasing safe access to the outdoors for the Chicago rock climbing affinity group community in which I am involved. As a certified instructor, I would proudly assume the great responsibly of knowledge sharing [...] My hope is that beyond providing exposure, I can help to empower community members so that they can grow, facilitate their own access to the outdoors, and become a resource for others.”

Xavier Bravo, Escala’s Co-Founder, added: “As a certified SPI myself, I know how invaluable these skills will be in not only serving [Escala’s] community with free programming, but also to the Greater Lakes climbing scene as a whole as [Michael] volunteers for multiple organizations that serve underrepresented communities. Had it not been for a Black Diamond scholarship that helped me with my exam costs, food, lodging, and transportation, I would not have been able to pursue my SPI certification which ultimately gave me the confidence to start Escala programming.”

We’re proud to share that with our help Michael achieved his certification!



Kensie’s Subsidized LBR Membership

+ Subsidized Climbing Gym Membership Program

Kensie climbing with her friends at Long Beach Rising.

“I knew climbing was expensive, so I kinda held off from exploring it. But you just can tell people here genuinely want you to be a part of it. So they were more than happy to be like, if you’re broke, it’s okay. We can hook you up. You can still climb here.”



Gerry Lee: Stroke Survivor

+ Individual Grant Recipient

Before his stroke, Gerry was the Tour manager for Tom Cochrane.

“All Rise has helped me to access the therapeutic climbing program with The Canadian Adaptive Climbing Society (CACS), which really got me through the winter. I’ve got too much time on my hands now that I’m in a wheelchair especially during bad weather and [being] unable to to travel.

I enjoy myself every time and it’s a great way to set the tone for the rest of my week. The climbing is amazing as it always pushes my limits. I just love the whole experience from top to bottom, especially my feeling of connection to everyone in a group. There’s a real bond going on between everybody which I miss as you don’t get that when you’re in my situation stuck at home. I used to be the guy going around doing stuff with an active life, on tour with Tom Cochrane but I can’t do that now. 

So this program and All Rise’s contribution adds to my life in every way. It’s a good group of people between those running it and the various people climbing with me, all with various degrees of issues, to which I can relate.”



Ariel Barrios: United in Yosemite POV

+ Individual Grant Recipient

Ariel Barrios (Latinos Outdoors) at United In Yosemite: 2023

We sent Ariel Barrios of Latinos Outdoors to The American Alpine Club’s ‘United in Yosemite’ last year!

United in Yosemite is not just a climbing festival. It is a celebration of the growing affinity spaces in climbing across the globe. It is a place to connect to climbers of all genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and cultural/ethnic backgrounds. It is a space elevating the voices of athletes and teachers from historically marginalized backgrounds who are excited to teach in community. United in Yosemite is committed to nurturing an evolution in climbing culture through the lenses of representation, Tribal engagement, stewardship, and celebration. The event is designed with new and intermediate Yosemite rock climbers in mind.