World Famous Blind Adventurer to go "Rock Climbing" with 14 year old blind youth for National Braille Press

WHAT: World famous blind adventurer, Erik Weihenmayer, will give some (indoor) rock climbing tips to 14 year-old Connor McLeod of Australia, who is also blind, to promote braille literacy. Connor is this year’s “Hands On” award winner for the National Braille Press annual gala and Weihenmayer is one of his idols. Erik’s story on how to live an independent and adventurous life as a blind person was an inspiration for Connor’s mother in raising him. Weihenmayer is the world’s leading blind athlete and the only blind person in history to reach the Seven Summits, including Everest.

Connor is being honored for leading a national effort to change the way Australia’s currency is printed so that the blind and visually impaired are able to identify money more easily. His campaign resulted in the Royal Bank of Australia agreeing to add tactile braille labels to bank notes. The gala event will take place later that evening at the Renaissance Waterfront Hotel in Boston.

WHO: National Braille Press

Connor McLeod, 2015 “Hands On” Award winner

Erik Weihenmayer, world famous blind adventurer

WHERE: Central Rock Gym

74 Acton Street

Watertown, MA 02472

WHEN: Thursday, November 12, 2015 at 2 p.m.

ABOUT CENTRAL ROCK GYMS

Central Rock Gyms offer the most premier indoor rock climbing in Massachusetts. With 6 locations, 3 in the Boston area, there is always plenty of new and exciting routes to keep you entertained and in shape. Our state of the art facilities are nationally renowned but climbing, fitness, and yoga is just the beginning. We also offer Birthday Parties, Corporate events, and Climbing teams.

ABOUT NATIONAL BRAILLE PRESS

A non-profit braille publisher, National Braille Press promotes literacy for blind children through outreach programs and provides access to information by producing information in braille for blind children and adults. www.nbp.org