The 8th Rory Lowther Memory Challenge will be held on the 9th-11th March 2012.

The Rory Challenge consists of a one-day sport climbing, bouldering and hiking challenge which take place in Swinburne, Harrrismith in the Free State province, South Africa.

Teams are made up of two, navigating themselves from one boulder or route to the next, challenging their ability to complete each discipline successfully in order to collect enough points.

Later, participants are encouraged to take part in the burn-a-thon activities, resulting in healthy provincial rivalry. The event also features a time of remembrance to fellow climbers, who have sadly left us.

“The night of the stars climb-off competition,” - a live inter provincial climb-off competition, between at least 3 province’s ‘star’ climbers, 2 in a team, live from the huge lit up spearhead rock, a video broadcast of the competition will be beamed down to a big screen with live commentary to the festival area at base camp. Big prizes will be involved for the select ‘stars’ from their provinces… …wow! Bring on this fantastic event as local support will make it a “night to remember!”

The purpose of the Rory Lowther Memorial Challenge is to promote SAFETY & TRAINING within the realms of Rock Climbing in South Africa.

The implementation of compulsory Helmet's is now mandatory, as per cycling the 'no helmet no climb' rule applies. Beginners are requested to do an assessment prior to the challenge, in order to determine their capabilities and to enforce the safety issues. Our goal is for the young climbers starting out, think "Safety First"

INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE

In February 2005, with the motivation of his friends, Debbie and Eric Lowther founded the now popular Rory Lowther Memorial Challenge in remembrance of their son, Rory who passed away in a climbing accident on 3 February 2004.

RORY LOWTHER - 14.01.1984 - 2004

The purpose of the challenge was to help develop safety and training within the sport of rock climbing. Rory was an avid rock climber and started climbing at the age of 16. He accomplished in years what some may dream of in a lifetime. Together with Andrew Porter, Rory at the age of 19 compiled and published the "Crags of Cauteng" Route Guide, another one of his many goals was to run competitions and inspire the youth in the sport that he was so passionate about. The Challenge has captured that goal and over the years has become an event looked forward to by many.

Rock climbing is becoming more and more popular and over the last 8 years, ”The Rory” has grown into a high profile event promoting awareness, development and community involvement – taking the sport of rocking climbing to even greater heights. The MSCA (Mountain Club of South Africa) and SANCF (South African National Climbing Federation have been instrumental in offering advice on the scoring, routes and technical aspects of climbing.

Furthermore, over the past 7 years our efforts have resulted in donations of equipment to the Johannesburg and Kwazulu Natal MOUNTAIN CLUB SEARCH & RESCUE TEAMS as well as the The COMPASSIONATE FRIENDS ORGANISATION.