CWA Blog Archive-Hope For More Stimulus For Climbing Gyms

Hope For More Stimulus For Climbing Gyms

Pdf Summary

This article reports on the CWA's advocacy to secure direct federal pandemic stimulus for climbing gyms through the Gym Mitigation and Survival Act (GYMS Act, H.R. 890/S. 1613). The bill resulted from work by the International Health, Racquet &amp; Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) and the newly formed National Health and Fitness Alliance (NHFA). The CWA has been tracking the legislation and assisting the NHFA specifically to ensure climbing gyms aren't excluded when the bill passes or gets folded into other legislation, a targeted advocacy role protecting the industry's interests. The article details the bill's substance. If passed, the GYMS Act would create a $30 billion fund providing stimulus directly to health and fitness businesses. Grants would be based on 2019 revenue, capped at the lesser of $20 million or 45% of 2019 revenue. Climbing gyms hit especially hard, those seeing less than 33% of their 2019 revenue in the most recent quarter, would be eligible for an additional 25% of their initial grant. The bill defines an eligible fitness facility as one providing instruction in a program of physical exercise or offering space for the preservation, maintenance, encouragement, or development of physical fitness, language the CWA worked to ensure would encompass climbing gyms. The article also promotes an August 17th webinar covering the GYMS Act and an upcoming campaign in partnership with Access Fund to raise support for the legislation. The throughline is that the CWA actively advocated for climbing gyms' inclusion in federal pandemic relief, working alongside industry allies to shape legislation that could deliver substantial direct stimulus. By also mobilizing members through a webinar and an Access Fund campaign, the CWA sought to build the grassroots support needed to help the legislation pass.

Asset Caption

This piece reports on CWA advocacy for the GYMS Act, which would create a $30 billion fund giving health and fitness businesses direct pandemic stimulus based on 2019 revenue. The CWA worked to ensure climbing gyms weren't excluded, and mobilized members via a webinar and an Access Fund campaign to support the legislation.