Our History and Milestones

History

The Singapore Mountaineering Federation was established in September 1993. Since its establishment, SMF has been very active in both inculcating the sports of climbing as well as promoting mountaineering to Singaporeans. SMF also endorses climbing events in Singapore; this ensures that the organization and safety of such competitions are kept in line with International standards. SMF is an affiliate to the Asian Climbing Federation as well as the United Internationale Des Associations D’Alpinisme, (UIAA) who is The International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation.

The Federation works very closely with People’s Association, Outward Bound Singapore, SAFRA, Educational Institutions and local adventure / mountaineering clubs. The SMF Executive Committee consists of members representing the different institutions to assist the Federation in keeping note of what is the latest climbing technology and know-how in climbing and mountaineering world. It is also an avenue for us to know the current demand in this sport locally.

Other than local institutions the SMF also work in tandem with regional mountaineering federations i.e. Malaysia, Philippines, Brunei, Indonesia and Thailand, where our National climbers participate in 10 such circuit annually. The unique partnership provides a platform for out National Climbers to test their skills against the best in the region.

Milestone

2008		Another year of adventure pack events.  This year, SMF will be hosting National Schools Sport Climbing Championship from 19th - 27th July 08.  SMF will be hosting the South-East Asia Circuit and Speed Challenge on 4 - 7 Dec 08.
2007		The 2nd National Schools Sport Climbing Championship was co-organised with People Association's Water Venture Team at Suntec Convention Hall.  In conjunction with the Sport and Fitness Expo 07, the event attracted closed to 480 climbers' participation. Asian Youth Championship was also held on the same period.
2006		A landmark year for SMF.  Playing host to 3 prestigous events.  The Climbing World Cup for  the 2nd time running, the South East Asian Circuit and organising the Inaugural National Schools  Sport Climbing Championship.  It was a mega success.  Held in Singapore Expo for two weekends.  The event garnered some 12000 spectators.
2005		It was a great honour for SMF to host the UIAA AGM.  It was an excellent platform for the members to exchange best practices and network for future events.  It was during this AGM that the committee nominated Singapore to be the host of the UIAA Climbing World Cup in 2006, the rest was history..
2002		Our biggest challenge yet, the running of the Climbing World Cup 2002. A huge responsibility but we took the challenge in our stride. Thanks to our partners and members it was a great success. This event was indeed the first of many more good things to come for the Federation.
2001		This year celebrated the 10th anniversary of our National Sport Climbing Championship, and the event was held for the first time at the Natinal Rock Climbing Centre at the SAFRA Yishun Country Club, completed at a cost of $600,000. A record breaking 850 participants took part. The SMF sent a team to compete in the 3rd Asian Youth Sports Climbing Championship held at Zanjan, Iran.
2000		In the wake of the new millennium, the Championship continued to be top climbers’ springboard to international opportunities. Six winners of the year’s Championship went on to represent Singapore in the 2nd Asian Youth Sport Climbing Championship held at Beijing, China.
1999		Another groundbreaking feat was added to history when the organisers hosted the first ever Asian Youth Sport Climbing Championship during that year’s National Sport Climbing Championship. Some 58 top youth climbers from 8 countries took to the walls.
1998		This Championship saw a record breaking of more than 800 climbers taking part, making it the biggest climbing competition in Asia. A total of 19 categories was offered in the competition to cater to the diversity and growing number of participants ranging from 8 years old to the sixty-somethings.
1997		To keep the adrenaline pumping for both climbers and spectators, the first ever Mixed relay team category for speed climbing was introduced. This vertical team relay consists of 4 climbers who vie for the top spot by racing against other teams, up the wall in the shortest accumulative time.
1996		The 1st speed climbing competition made it up the walls. A relatively new sport at that time, speed climbing challenges the speed and agility of the climber. The fastest climber to scale the 15m wall wins the day.
1995		Indeed a year to be proud of – the SMF and SAFRA hosted the prestigious 4th Asian Sport Climbing Championship with the 3rd National Sport Climbing Championship. Some 500 of the best climbers in the region competed in this dazzling show of strength of mind and body, held at the Expo Gateway, World Trade Centre.
1994		Singapore broke into the international climbing scene when 6 of our local climbers represented Singapore in the 3rd Asian Sport Climbing Championship held in Matsumoto, Japan. These representatives were selected from winners of the National Sport Climbing Championship.
1993		At this infant stage, the Championship already saw participation from climbers around the Asia Pacific region. This speaks volumes of the prestige and standards of the Championship. Since then, foreign climbers representing their countries have been gearing up for this annual event every year.
1992		The 1st National Sport Climbing Championship was organised at Marina Promenade, attracting about 280 climbers. Even on its maiden year, the Championship became the first of its kind in South East Asia to be sanctioned by Union Internationale des Associations d’Alpinisme UIAA – the international body for climbing and mountaineering-related activities.