Peak Potential was started in 2000 by Dr. Jen Fu Cheng, then a resident at a pediatric rehabilitation facility. Dr. Cheng was an avid climber and wanted to merge his love of the sport with his vocation of serving children with disabilities. He singlehandedly started the organization with 3 volunteers and 1 child. Soon other medical professionals as well as local climbers pitched in to enable more local children to participate. Through continuing partnership with NJ Rock gym in Fairfield NJ, Dr. Cheng was able to grow the organization to a point that there were two sessions weekly, serving close to twenty kids all year. NJ Rock Gym eventually constructed a designated Peak Potential climbing with bigger, more kid-friendly holds, some in the shape of elephants and frogs.
Today, Peak Potential has evolved into a board-led nonprofit organization that runs a 12 week introduction to rock climbing for children with physical disabilities. Last year alone, over 60 children were given a chance to explore their abilities in that unique environment that only the sport of rock climbing can provide. The program has also facilitated the development of an adaptive climbing system that enables individuals with lower extremity weakness to participate in the sport. Several other entities have consulted with the organization in the hopes of starting their own similar program, many from the US and some from as far as Israel, the Czech Republic, and many Latin American countries. Currently, the organization is assisting Princeton University in starting its own program to service the Central NJ area.
Neurological, muscular, and developmental disorders such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and myelodysplasia affect thousands of children each year. Emphasis too often has fallen on the perceived limitations caused by these conditions. Because of these misperceptions, many activities in wonderful settings have traditionally been inaccessible to so many children. We have established Peak Potential in an effort to expand the variety of experiences available to children with physical challenges.
WHY ROCK CLIMBING?
Rock climbing has gained popularity over the past several years. With the advent of artificial, indoor facilities and refinements in equipment technology, climbing has become a very safe option for individuals to challenge themselves physically as well as mentally. By providing these challenges, while simultaneously fostering an environment of support and encouragement, Peak Potential utilizes a structured rock climbing program as a means to develop self-confidence, cooperation, and trust in its participants. With the use of a harness and a belay system, individuals are able to use all four extremities to propel up a wall, enabling those who may have a deficit in one or more extremities to still participate and excel.
INDOOR CLIMBING – A PERFECT FIT
Indoor rock climbing is ideally suited for many children with physical challenges. Walls of many different heights and angles are available. Also, the handholds and footholds are modular and come in thousands of shapes and sizes. Therefore, we can design an infinite number of different routes, quickly and easily. Climbs can be customized to each individual child’s capabilities. As these children adapt to the vertical world, they will benefit from the physically and emotionally therapeutic qualities of climbing.
THE FUTURE…
For those individuals who are interested in outdoor activities, Peak Potential would like to provide opportunities to explore natural settings. Accessibility to these beautiful places has been traditionally difficult for people with physical challenges. Though progress has been made in recent years to make parks and preserves more accessible, Peak Potential hopes to become an advocate for the continuation of these efforts. Through trips and outings, we also hope to cultivate a connection between our participants and the natural world.
