It’s raining and a little windy, the sky is gray over the Werksviertel, but the reason why numerous people are gathering at WERK4 on 28.9.2022 at 2 pm is all the more beautiful: The bouldering and climbing hall Heavens Gate in the heart of the Werkviertel-Mitte receives the signet “Bayern barrierefrei”. The friendly team from IG Klettern München & Südbayern e.V. is already waiting full of anticipation. Snacks and drinks are prepared.
What needs do people with a disability have?
What is it like not being able to see where you are going? What options do you have for getting around if you can’t walk up and down stairs? And can’t you go bouldering and climbing despite a physical impairment? These are questions that very few people ask themselves if they are not affected. The non-profit association IG Klettern München, which operates its climbing and bouldering hall in the Werksviertel in old potato silos up to 30 meters high, deals with precisely these questions. This is reflected not only in the design of the hall, but also in the specially founded inclusion group Gipfelstürmer, in which everyone – people with and without physical disabilities – can learn from each other.
To ensure that everyone, including those with disabilities, can actively participate in club life and challenge themselves athletically, the access points and entrances to the bouldering mats are at ground level. There is a guidance system, a barrier-free elevator, an inductive hearing system, a tactile guidance system and disabled-friendly sanitary facilities. The latter include a toilet and a shower with a folding and height-adjustable care and shower stretcher. Wheelchair parking spaces have also been created at various points in the hall.
Setting an example
The Heavens Gate bouldering and climbing hall thus fulfills a pioneering role in its sports segment in Munich and sets an example, which is now also symbolized with the “Bavaria barrier-free” signet. The award is presented by the Bavarian state government for particularly inclusive locations.
Before the label is handed over this afternoon, the assembly present takes a short tour of the hall. The first chairman of the association, Dr. Sebastian Wagner, together with managing director Benjamin Plahl, explains the special features of the equipment. Josef Glasl, spokesman for the Werkviertel-Mitte district, and Dr. Markus Gruber from the Bavarian state government are also present. After the tour, the signet is awarded and a toast is raised with a glass of sparkling wine: To a barrier-free Heavens Gate that really is a place for everyone!
A place for everyone
The “IG Klettern München & Südbayern e.V.” association specifically targets people with mental or physical disabilities, serious chronic illnesses, refugee or migrant backgrounds and social disadvantages. The organization’s program and opportunities reflect the values of Werksviertel-Mitte, which aims to offer a place and opportunities for everyone and every person to get involved and develop.
