A Boulder group is helping disabled people by teaching them outdoor activities, like climbing.
Paradox Sports is an adaptive sports group that takes people with any disability to climb for competition or for therapy.
"We welcome people to the climbing community. Because in a way that can be an intimidating experience. We're here to welcome people and show them what climbing is about," said Michael Neustedter, executive director of Paradox Sports.
The group meets periodically each month. Volunteers help train new comers and seasoned climbers alike. Some go on to compete.
"The best thing about climbing is I use absolutely no adaptive equipment on the wall," said Jessica Sporte, a Paradox climber who lost her leg to cancer in infancy. "On the wall, it's just, you get to know your own body and how you work. I think that's probably the coolest thing about it, is just the personal challenge."
Paradox serves people who are blind, with amputations or even PTSD. They will take anyone who needs help. Participants do get a discounted price to climb.
"What we do as a club and organization is we normalize people," said Maureen Beck, who was born with one hand. "[People] see us here so often that when they see a one armed or one legged or blind person climbing, it's just not a big deal anymore."
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