Mt. Everest Climber, Erik Weihenmayer, Visits Anchor Center
Watch a segment about the day on 9News’ Next with Kyle Clark: On Tuesday, May 1st, Erik Weihenmayer visited Anchor Center for Blind Children. Weihenmayer is…
Watch a segment about the day on 9News’ Next with Kyle Clark:
On Tuesday, May 1st, Erik Weihenmayer visited Anchor Center for Blind Children. Weihenmayer is the only blind person to reach the summit of Mt. Everest and, by 2008, had climbed the highest point on every continent.
Anchor Center preschoolers work with a physical therapist and certified rock climber throughout the year in a small rock-climbing area built into the facility. On this day, Weihenmayer volunteered to lead a special, one-of-a-kind climbing experience and met with the preschool parents afterward for a Q&A session.
“I have been connected with the Anchor Center for many years now and it is an amazing resource in the Denver area for blind and VI kids and their parents to get prepared for kindergarten,” said Weihenmayer. “Teachers use specially designed classrooms and play areas to help enhance the sensory experience and help students with low or no vision to be able to navigate and communicate. I was happy to get the invitation as I am always so impressed with the teachers and the amazing staff, not to mention rock climbing with preschoolers is always a great way to warm the soul on a rainy morning!”
It was a beautiful and inspiring day for children, families and staff alike. The children were so excited to get to climb with “important and famous Mr. Erik” and their parents walked away from their time filled with hope and excitement for the future.
“I was lucky because I had a great family, but none of them knew anything about blindness. I wish I knew more blind people who could give me a glimpse of the future, of what was possible. That’s why I’m here today. It’s neat teaching them climbing, but maybe it will click that I’m blind, too, like they are,” said Weihenmayer. “It’s one thing to be motivated but it’s another thing to have the skills and the confidence and the mindset to go out and attack the world.”
Anchor Center is incredibly grateful to Weihenmayer, who embodies everything that we strive to instill in every Anchor Center child – that the world is full of limitless possibilities for each and every one of them.
WATCH LIVE COVERAGE FROM CBS4!
VIEW A PHOTO ALBUM OF THE DAY BELOW:
