Mark your calendars and start planning your travels – The Rory is returning to Swinburne after 10 long years!
Founded by the Lowther family to commemorate the tragic passing of young South African climbing pioneer Rory Lowther on 3 February 2004, The Rory is a beloved event in the SA climbing community and we’re delighted to see its return for a 20-year reunion.
As per usual, the event will take place at Swinburne in the Free State, which means we’ll be enjoying some stellar sandstone climbing on and around the beautiful Rensburgkop. This year, however, rather than a competition, we can look forward to a weekend of casual climbing, fun with old friends and new faces, and the notorious Burn-a-Thon!
Check out the accommodation and yummy food options on offer, and click the button below to register and make your booking:
Note that once your registration form has been received, you will be sent an invoice which must be paid to secure your booking. Food orders need to be in by 26 February and accommodation goes quickly, so get going to secure your spot!
As an extra bonus, you’ll probably spot some furry friends on your way to the crag! This special occasion has been christened “The Roaring Rory”, in honour of the Love Big Cats Alive sanctuary which was established at the base of Rensburgkop in 2015.
This incredible organisation offers a safe haven for big cats that have been rescued from zoos, hunting breeders and other traumatic environments, and is currently home to around 30 large kitties including tawny and white lions, tigers, pumas and jaguars. (Note that this is a sanctuary and does not offer encounters of any kind, although you can wave hello from a safe distance outside the fence!)
Andi from Love Big Cats Alive will be giving a short talk about the organisation in the evening on Friday 1 March, so be sure to check that out in the hall!
Get registered, follow The Rory Facebook page and event for updates, and keep an eye on GoodBETA’s home page, Facebook and Instagram for some more info on the history of the event and Rory’s legacy.
