All the excitement around him leaves Sebastian Richter pretty cold. He has long since put on the climbing protection, now he is waiting patiently until the basement of the Ernst Barlach schools of the Pfennigparade Foundation has calmed down a bit. Photographers, film crews and journalists stand excitedly around him, which Basti, as everyone calls him, takes it very calmly.
For him it has long been a matter of course what impresses the observers: He maneuvers his wheelchair directly in front of the 15 meter high climbing wall, grabs one of the many colored handles on the wall with both hands and pulls himself out of the wheelchair. Meter by meter he goes up, solely with the strength of his hands and arms, because he cannot use his paralyzed legs for climbing. In agreement with his climbing trainer Markus Mair, who secures him, Basti takes short breaks in order to then strive up another piece.
On the way up: Sebastian Richter uses the climbing wall of the Ernst Barlach schools for this, but there are also ramps (left) all around, the lift and also a stairwell for the inclusive school.
(Photo: Catherine Hess)
Almost a quarter of a century ago, Markus Mair started as a carpenter in the Pfennigparade workshop, where he now only works part-time. The other half of his working time is dedicated to the inclusive sports offers for people with and without disabilities. A passionate sportsman and ski instructor himself since he was 18, Mair noticed that many people with disabilities do not exercise enough. He started a walking course and went for the first time with a group to the Luitpoldberg, as the hill in the Luitpoldpark is popularly known. And explained which mountains can be seen. “Can we go rock climbing?” was the question.
Can’t, there’s no such thing for Mair. He has already made skiing possible for children and young people with various disabilities. He calls it “bringing a piece of normality” to them. And with climbing, which brings people with disabilities a change of perspective, a cool and beautiful experience. “You know what you’re doing it for.” Bright children’s eyes, a happy permanent grin, this “thank you” means a lot to him.
The first time she was afraid when climbing, says Marie. “I was a little dizzy,” the 12-year-old admits. But now it’s a “nice feeling” to need and have strength. Climbing training is also part of the afternoon care offered at the Pfennigparade. Marie explains that she had a stroke as a baby, and the result was hemiparesis, a slight paralysis of one half of the body: the strength in the right arm and right leg is reduced. Climbing also strengthens the weaker side, says Andreas Schwanengel, department head of the curative education day care center.
Concentrated, Marie chooses her route and gives herself support.
(Photo: Catherine Hess)
Safety first: Before climbing, Andreas Schwanengel and Jasmine check whether the harness is sitting correctly.
(Photo: Catherine Hess)
Waiting is part of climbing in the after-school care at school.
(Photo: Catherine Hess)
During the “partner check” he checks the fuse with Marie before she goes into the wall, while her best friend Jasmin is still watching. She also admits that at first she was afraid of falling. “But now it’s fun.” She doesn’t talk about disabilities anyway. Her right hand has only one finger. “I was born that way,” says the eleven-year-old, making it clear that it’s not an issue for her. Climbing, explains Schwanengel, gives self-confidence, “it’s so easy to reach your personal limits and beyond”.
Children and young people get a new perspective, “on themselves and on the world,” emphasizes Susanne Schönwälder, manager of the Pfennigparade education department. “The children, who so often have the feeling that they can’t keep up with a lot of things, then realize what they can do.”
Living inclusion right from the start, letting children, whether with or without disabilities, grow up together in children’s homes and schools is the basis for a genuinely inclusive society, Schönwalder is convinced. A world in which everyone can find their place, as her colleague Beate Höß-Zenker puts it.
Done: Sebastian Richter has reached the top.
(Photo: Catherine Hess)
Climbing gives you confidence in your own strength – and the strength for surprising admissions: “I’m afraid every time I let go,” says Sebastian Richter and laughs. Even with new routes and above a certain height, it is important to overcome blockages. “It’s a great thing to be able to do it, every time.” And then “to be broken”, in a positive sense: goal achieved.
The educational and care facilities of the Pfennigparade Foundation will provide insight into all offers, including the climbing program, at the open house on Saturday, February 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Ernst Barlach Schools (Barlachstraße 36-38) and the Phoenix schools and day-care centers (Oberföhringer Straße 150). information below www.ebs-m.org and www.phoenix-kf.de.