CIM Project: Inclusion, team and hiking Health

Article courtesy of Mayte Serrat, doctor UAB, Physiotherapist, General Health Psychologist and alpinist. Principal researcher of the Fibrowalk program at the USSC of Vall Hebron Hospital and President of the CIM Project.

CIM Project: Inclusion, team and hiking Health

In an increasingly connected world but often marked by a lack of time for human connection, the entity CIM Project emerges as a transformative proposal. This non-profit initiative was born with the aim of uniting people with different abilities to enjoy physical activity in an environment as inspiring as the mountain. But the CIM Project is much more than an entity: it is a philosophy that combines inclusion, equipment and health to make the mountain accessible to all people and to make visible all those conditions that society still does not recognize and does not understand.

What is CIM Project?

CIM Project is an organization that works to promote access to mountain activities for people with different abilities, diversities or disabilities. Founded with the vision of overcoming social barriers, the organization organizes outings and expeditions accessible to all people, using tools such as mountain chairs to allow people with reduced mobility to participate. At the same time, it encourages the participation of a wide range of people from different fields, creating a space for collaboration and mutual support. At the CIM Project, they recognize and understand the limitations of each person to provide the support and resources necessary to achieve dreams never imagined before.

A Transformative Experience

Participating in an activity organized by the CIM Project is much more than just a hike. People who have been part of these outings often describe the experience as a moment of deep connection with nature and with other people. The activities take place in spectacular natural environments, and offer the opportunity to rediscover one’s own abilities and to work as a team.

These experiences benefit everyone who participates. For many, it is an opportunity to learn, to get to know different perspectives and to experience the mountains in an inclusive and cooperative way.

Physical and mental health

One of the most outstanding aspects of the CIM Project is its positive impact on health. Practicing physical exercise in a natural environment has proven benefits for physical and mental well-being. On a physical level, the activities contribute to improving endurance, coordination and mobility, especially for those who may have limitations in their day-to-day life.

But the benefits go far beyond the physical realm. The CIM Project outings also have a profound impact on mental health. Connecting with nature, working as a team and overcoming challenges together generates a sense of accomplishment and self-esteem. In addition, interaction with other participants promotes the creation of social support networks, one of the keys to good emotional health.

Featured Projects

One of the most ambitious and recent projects of the CIM Project is the expedition to Everest Base Camp, the first in the world to reach in an inclusive way. This initiative had the participation of 30 people with different abilities who worked together to achieve this extraordinary challenge. With the help of adapted tools such as the mountain chair, this expedition not only demonstrated that the mountain is accessible, but also highlighted the importance of teamwork and the spirit of improvement.

In addition to these major milestones, the CIM Project also organizes smaller activities to bring the mountain closer to everyone. From one-day trips to educational programs on the impact of nature on health, the organization is constantly working to expand its reach and reach more people.

How to Participate

There are many ways to be part of the CIM Project. If you want to contribute, you can do so as a volunteer, helping with outings or participating in the planning of activities. The CIM Project offers you the opportunity to experience the mountains in an inclusive way, enhancing your capabilities. You can also support the project through donations, which help finance the activities and acquire appropriate equipment.

A Future Full of Possibilities

The CIM Project is much more than an organization: it is a movement that promotes equal opportunities and the right of all people to enjoy nature. With each activity, the project breaks down social barriers and builds bridges, demonstrating that the mountain can be a space for all people.

The CIM Project has already expanded its activities to new regions, such as Chile, where it hopes to continue developing innovative projects. With the support of volunteers, participants and collaborators, this project has the potential to transform lives and inspire positive change in society. The CIM Project is an initiative that reminds us of the power of cooperation, the importance of inclusion and the undeniable benefits of connecting with nature. If you have not yet had the opportunity to learn about this project, we invite you to join this transformative experience and discover how the mountain can unite us with all people, regardless of our abilities.

Now you can watch our OAFI Radio show where Dr. Serrat spoke to us about CIM Project and the new challenges that the association faces.

From OAFI, it is a pleasure to have these traveling companions to build a more just and inclusive society.