GREENVILLE (2-3-2010)¬¬–East Carolina University’s Campus Recreation & Wellness Adventure Program is gearing up to host the 13th Annual Flatlander’s Fling Climbing Competition Feb. 20. The event will be held at the ECU Student Recreation Center with registration beginning at 11 a.m. and climbing kicking off at noon.
The Flatlander’s Fling will form the first leg of the Eastern Edge Climbing Series, a two-day climbing series showcasing some of the finest climbers in eastern North Carolina. The second event will be the University of North Carolina at Wilmington’s Seaside Scramble on Feb. 21.
“ECU and UNCW serve as the host sites, but our goal is to promote a supportive climbing community, as well as to educate climbers on climbing access privileges,” said Pam Andrae, a CRW student staff member.
The Flatlander’s Fling is open to all climbers, regardless of ability level and will feature bouldering and top rope climbing, along with a point system that will determine the winners. Prizes and giveaways will be awarded to participants in all categories. Each year, the goal is to raise awareness about the benefits of climbing.
“The series allows climbers to challenge themselves and challenge each other in a lively, exciting but friendly atmosphere,” said CRW student staff member Kyle Slosek.
Organizers say the excitement is not just restricted to those climbing in the competition.
“It is such an entertaining competition so we expect to see many returning climbers,” said student staff member Jamie Maniscalco. “Even if you’re not competing, the event is a lot of fun to watch, plus there is free food and great people taking part.”
Sponsors of this year’s event are Beat the Book Store, Cape Fear Piercings, Chaco Footwear, Cloudveil, Crystal Connection, East Coast Video & Music, ECU Adventure Program, ECU Campus Recreation & Wellness, First Ascent/Eddie Bauer, Fusion Surf & Skate, Great Outdoor Provision Company, Kroger, Lowe’s Food, Mad Rock Climbing, Marathon Restaurant, Mike’s Deli, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Moose Jaw, Mountain Hardwear, Osprey Packs, Panera Bread, Pita Pit, prAna, Rock and Ice, Salsarita’s, Triangle Rock Club, and Winslow’s Tavern.
The Flatlander’s Fling registration fee for all college students, as well as ECU faculty and staff with a valid university ID, is $15. For the general public, registration is $20 for adults and $15 for students under the age of 18. Spectators are welcome. Transportation is offered to those who wish to venture to UNCW for the Seaside Scramble competition. The cost of travel to UNCW is $10 and must be paid in advance to ECU Campus Recreation & Wellness.
For more information contact the ECU Adventure Program at 252-328-1560, adventure@ecu.edu, or go online at www.flatlandersfling.org.
