UNC Asheville students have a new opportunity to develop stronger team building and communication skills thanks to a $10,000 low ropes course donated by Diamond Brand Outdoors. The course is located in the wooded south campus, near the Vivian Ave. parking lot. The Diamond Brand Low Ropes Course will be dedicated at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 13. The event is free and open to the public.

The course will be available to UNC Asheville student groups, academic classes and athletic teams. More than a dozen UNC Asheville students have been specially trained to lead groups on the course. On October 15, the women’s basketball team will be the inaugural group to use the course.

"On the ropes course students will be put in challenging group situations where they must work together to take the risks needed to succeed," said Chad Morgan, UNCA Outdoors director. "The Diamond Brand Low Ropes Course pushes students to build trust, communicate more clearly and to perform better as a team. It’s a very exciting new addition to campus life."

Will Gay, Diamond Brand Outdoors president and owner, said he is pleased to partner with UNC Asheville. "I believe that the Diamond Brand Low Ropes Course will provide opportunities within the University to bring people together in the spirit of cooperation and team work while at the same time taking advantage of enjoying the outdoors," said Gay.

Diamond Brand Outdoors has been in the outdoor speciality retail business for more than 40 years. The company has three retail stores in the Asheville area and employs some 150 people.

For more information about the Diamond Brand Low Ropes Course at UNC Asheville, call Morgan at 828/251-6368.

Media Contacts:

• Alex Comfort, UNCA Associate Vice Chancellor for Development, 828/251-6807
• Jill Yarnall, UNCA Public Information Assistant Director, 828/251-6526