The University of Tennessee Outdoor Program, UTOP, will host several events Feb. 14 through Feb. 18 as part of the UT Outdoor Festival.

According UTOP graduate assistant Brad Beggs, the festival is both a recreational event and a highly successful fundraising program for the Access Fund, which supports recreational climbers in the United States.

"In 2005, the festival generated nearly $1,200 for the Access Fund, and last year's events rose about the same amount of money," Beggs said.

On Feb. 14 UTOP will showcase whitewater kayaks developed by Dagger and Wavesport in the Student Aquatic Center from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Attendees will be able to test the kayaks. The event is free, and swimsuits are recommended.

The author of Rock Warrior's Way, Arno Ilgner, will teach a clinic on mental control on Feb. 15 at 2 p.m. in Room 202b of the Health, Physical Education and Recreation Building. This group session is limited to 12 participants and requires advance sign-up.

Also on Feb. 15, a slideshow demonstration will cover additional mental control techniques at 7 p.m. in Room 104 of the Humanities Building.

Both of the events scheduled for Feb. 15 are free, and anyone interested may sign up by calling (865) 974-9749 or e-mailing utop@utk.edu.

On Feb. 16 the Telluride Mountain Film Festival will be held in the University Center auditorium from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Documentaries and films showcasing mountain scenery and various hiking and climbing adventures will be shown. The event is free for all UT students, staff and faculty with UT identification. The cost for those without UT identification is $8 for adults and $5 for students.

UTOP will host the Vol Wall Crankin' for Access bouldering competition on Feb. 17 from noon to 6 p.m. in the Health, Physical Education and Recreation Building. A required registration will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

With $10 donations, participants of all skill levels may take part in a climbing competition. Proceeds will benefit the Access Fund.

The final event, which will be held on Feb. 18, is a hiking tour through the eastern Tennessee hills from noon to 5 p.m. The tour is free and open to anyone regardless of skill, but participants must sign up by calling (865) 974-9749 or e-mailing utop@utk.edu.

Beggs said that in addition to the festival, UTOP has planned 22 other trips for this spring, ranging from winter hikes to cave exploration.

"Many of our trips are day trips designed for the beginner to intermediate outdoor enthusiast," he said.

Beggs said any UT student, faculty member or staff member can sign up for the outdoor events.