RENO, Nev. – USA Climbing has announced Reno, Nev. will host the 2021 Youth National Championships, July 13-18, and the inaugural Youth Climbing Festival, July 9-11. The events will be run across both the Reno-Sparks Convention Center and Mesa Rim Reno.
The Youth National Championships will combine the separate Bouldering and Sport & Speed championships of the past into one complete event. Young athletes will have the opportunity to compete in bouldering, lead, and speed over the course of the six-day competition. Taking place days before the postponed Tokyo Summer Olympic Games, the event will be a showcase of talent and could identify some of the young stars who will one day vie to compete at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
“We are thrilled to bring all of our Youth National Championships together in Reno as part of our realigned 2021 national calendar,” said John Muse, vice president of sport for USA Climbing. “We are especially looking forward to the inaugural Youth Climbing Festival and the developmental opportunities it will present for C and D level members.”
Building on the strategic recommendations of the USA Climbing Competition Task Force,
USA Climbing restructured the youth season in early 2020 to increase inclusiveness, athlete well-being, sport growth, and international success. One byproduct of the transition is the new Youth Climbing Festival, which will consist of fun, skills-based competitions and convention-style presentations and workshops for athletes, coaches, and parents from top climbers, industry leaders, experienced instructors, and other experts.
“Reno Tahoe is proud and excited to welcome USA Climbing’s Youth Nationals and Youth Festival. As a destination that is known as a mecca for exceptional climbing experiences, outdoors and indoors, this is a perfect fit for both USA Climbing and Northern Nevada,” said Shelli Fine, director of sports development, Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority. “We can’t wait to welcome competitors and their families for a phenomenal week of climbing and entertainment.”
