BMC Encourages Ethnic Minorities

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