Perm gymnasium #2 installs a 36-foot rock-climbing wall – the highest wall in Perm Krai.

In an attempt to move away from many of the old standards of physical education class and toward a more exciting fitness program, Perm gymnasium #2 has installed a 36-foot rock-climbing wall. It is the highest climbing wall in Perm and Perm Krai.

Physical education teachers says the wall provides a new way to excite students about exercising.

"It is pretty exciting," says seventh-grader Katerina Popova, 12, moments after completing her first climb. "It is pretty hard, and challenging, too".

The new sports-ground opens new opportunities for hundreds of young Perm athletes. The gymnasium management hope to hold many federal and district wall-climbing championships. The first Perm championship will take place Feb. 21-22, 2009.