KATHMANDU: US-Nepal Climbers Association (UNCA) today handed over rock climbing materials to Nepal Mountain Academy (NMA) and Women Climbers' Association (WCA) amidst a function in Kathmandu.

Nepali Mountain climbers who reside in the United States offered support to the climbers in Nepal, who are in need, through NMA and WCA, according to the president of UNCA, Pasang Sherpa.

“It is our responsibility to give back to the country’s climbing community,” Sherpa said.

As many as 40 pairs of rock climbing shoes and 20 harnesses were provided to the organisations.

Chairman of Nepal Mountain Academy, Lakpa Phuti Sherpa, thanked UNCA for its support. “We will provide climbing shoes to the climbers in need,” she added.

On the occasion, UNCA also handed over USD 300 each to three Sherpa families to support their children’s health and education. Bandi Sherpa, Fura Yangji Sherpa and Doma Sherpa received financial support to help educate their children. “It is a part of the UNCA’s annual educational support programme to the Sherpa families who lost their members while working on different mountains,” Pasang Sherpa added.

Moreover, Sherpa said that Bio Light, an American company, was interested to support rural Sherpa villages with solar lights through UNCA.