After his injury in 2019, Ben struggled to access physical challenges.
Ten months later, he discovered Catalyst Sports. When Ben started climbing with us, he didn’t have the strength to lift himself from his wheelchair. He competed in the USA Paraclimbing National Championships in Birmingham three years later. Just a few days ago, he won his division at the Southeast Paraclimbing Competition in Atlanta!
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Before Catalyst, finding a like-minded community was elusive for Ben.
Now, some of his closest friends are Catalyst athletes and volunteers.
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Before Catalyst, Ben didn’t think he would have the opportunity to be physically active outdoors.
Now, Ben participates in the annual Sand Rock Outdoor Adaptive Climbing and Camping trip in Cherokee National Forest in Alabama, the first of its kind. He surrounded himself with 30 other climbers last year and camped for two nights under the southern sky.
When asked what he is most proud of, Ben shared, “I am most proud of everything I’ve achieved since I started climbing with Catalyst. I get excited thinking about the next adventure and experience we will have.”
Ben now co-leads our Nashville chapter supporting other climbers at least three times each month, encouraging them to face their fears and climb higher.
Ben chooses adventure, community and access.
With only a few days left in the year, choose to donate to Catalyst Sports so more athletes like Ben can challenge themselves in ways they never thought possible.
Create Change Before the Year Ends.
P.S. Thanks to the generosity of Gatorade, every dollar you give until the end of the year will be DOUBLED up to $10,000!