Requiring hand-brain coordination, strength and flexibility, rock climbing has been known as the “ballet on rock”. As an extreme sport with a long history, it has always attracted young people from generation to generation with its unique charm. This sport has given rise to many branches such as natural rock climbing and artificial rock climbing.

There is such an artificial rock wall in the Gym of the South Campus of Guangdong Technion-Israel Institute of Technology (GTIIT). Recently, organized by GTIIT Sports Unit and GTIIT Operation Department, a unique rock-climbing experience class was held here. The activity attracted the active participation of faculty and students, and everyone felt the charm of rock climbing.

Different from traditional rock climbing, indoor rock climbing is safer, and its difficulty can be directly controlled by different climbing devices. The rock-climbing wall on the South Campus of GTIIT is 10.4 meters high with a total length of about 28 meters. It consists of a speed climbing area, a lead climbing wall and an auto-belay climbing area. This area can be used for competition, recreation, teaching, etc.

"Straighten your hands, use your toes, keep your waist close, and don't touch the rope buckles on the rock wall during climbing." Before the rock climbing, professional coaches conducted detailed instructions on the characteristics and the precautions for rock climbing. He also instructed everyone to put on climbing shoes and wear safety devices correctly, to let everyone experience the fun of this sport to the greatest extent.

"I can experience the fun of this sport but looking down from the top of the rock wall is a little nervous and exciting." As one of the few participators who successfully reached the top, Eran Gal-Or, Pro-Vice Chancellor and Director General of GTIIT, believes that the secret to his ascent to the top comes from his daily exercise over the years.

"Although I failed to reach the top, this sport attracted me to try again and again. I am very envious of my juniors who can exercise here in the future," said Bin Xin, a senior majoring in materials science and engineering.

Rock climbing is a sport that needs innovative spirit. It has no fixed movements. If you want to do it well, you must use your wisdom and physical strength to keep trying, create new paths, and maximize your imagination and creativity. Every rock climbing is a new exploration, which coincides with the innovative spirit pursued by GTIIT.

"In the future, GTIIT will set up a rock-climbing club and is planning to open related courses. It is a very complicated process, but we are working on it," said Fabian Rios, head of the sports unit of GTIIT.

The first phase of the South Campus project (living, sports area) has been 95% completed, and the indoor and outdoor sports facilities have been gradually handed over to the university since March. In addition to the climbing wall, swimming pool, track field, basketball courts, badminton courts, volleyball courts and other sports venues will also be open to students one after another. Let's look forward to a summer full of sports!

文/图：GTIIT传媒与公共事务部

Text/Photos: GTIIT News & Public Affairs