By Isle of Wight Observer
The primary and secondary Youth4Youth Climbing Festival 2025 took place at Wight Climbing on consecutive Wednesdays (November 5 and 12), supported by West Wight Sports & Community Centre, and delivered with the help of volunteers.
Twelve climbers from Nettlestone Primary School, 11 from The Bay CE School, and seven from Carisbrooke College took part across three events: speed climb, technical climb, and bouldering. Each pupil was also challenged to raise £15 in sponsorship for Mountbatten IW and the IW Youth Trust. Their efforts produced a remarkable total of £1,036, which will be shared evenly between the two charities, and doubled through The Big Give to £2,072.
Before competing, pupils were given an insight into the work of both charities.
Although the festival focused on team-work and encouragement, a light competitive element saw pupils cheering each other on throughout. In the primary events, Nettlestone Year 6 secured first place in speed climb, technical climb, and bouldering, with Nettlestone Year 5 taking second place in all three disciplines. In the secondary girls’ category, The Bay CE School placed second in speed climb, third in technical climb, and first in bouldering. Among the boys, The Bay finished third in speed climb, and second in both technical climb and bouldering. Carisbrooke College claimed first place in technical climb, first in speed climb, and third in bouldering.