The
BMC
acknowledges that
ethnic
minorities are under-represented in hill-walking and
climbing and is - in its own words - 'committed to removing barriers to
participation that people from under-represented groups might face',
with the latest initiatives being two video clips on the organisation's
web site.
The clips feature the Siddiqui brothers, both well-known climbers of
Asian extraction. The aim is to 'show that climbing is open and
welcoming to all people and that people from underrepresented
communities, such as our Asian communities can, and do, take part in
these activities and enjoy them.'
During the video, Rehan Siddiqui - the BMC's vice president - says that
he's aware of only perhaps half a dozen asian climbers who are active
in the UK and what a shame that is. The video is just part of the BMC's
commitment to increasing ethnic participation in climbing, in January
2007, the organisation ratified a new Equality and Diversity Policy
along with an
Equity Action Plan.
Interesting stuff and likely to be controversial with those who believe
that there are no obstacles to getting into the outdoors.
You can see the two video clips at
www.thebmc.co.uk
