News: Our first film screening and inclusion awareness community event

It’s a wrap, Eone and Justin Salas have successfully launched its very first film screening of The Blind Ascensionist last Saturday, May 27, at Bouldering Project in Salt Lake City. The event was attended by thirty individuals of varying skill level and exposure to climbing, all experiencing climbing without sight for the very first time.

Kick off began with a blind climbing clinic, Justin explained the relationship, communication, and teamwork required to navigate a boulder route without sight, demonstrated by professional climbers Seneida Biendarra; who won the IFSC World Cup in Salt Lake, just the week before, and her partner Nate.

Following the screening of The Blind Ascensionist, a fireside chat emceed by Ben Mayforth, with Chaz Misuraca, Seneida Biendarra, and Justin touched on blindness, disability inclusion, and creating more accessible opportunities in adaptive sports both professionally and recreational.

A special thanks to Ben, Chaz, and Seneida for bringing a wider perspective to the conversation. Nate, and April for their support coordinating the clinic. Everyone on the team at Salt Lake Bouldering Project for giving us this opportunity. Matt and Maddie from the National Ability Center. TFA Group for helping Justin realise the completion of this short film. And of course, thank you everyone who attended the day and helped spread the message.

We are now coordinating more screening opportunities throughout the States over the coming months, keep up-to-date on this page. You can support Justin and his chosen organization; NewView Oklahoma, through sales of the new Apex Salas model. $50 USD of each sale will support the organization with developing employment opportunities and rehabilitation within the blind and low vision community. Click here to learn more.