Europe, Caribbean and Latin America connections on Powerlifting’s radar

Executives of the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) are hopeful the interactions they have had with sister bodies in Europe and the Caribbean can materialise into something meaningful for the sport in Guyana.

In an effort to effect change and churn out more positive results, the GAPLF wants to build overseas partnerships to develop player exchange and training for locals, according to Committee Member David Gomes.

“One of the things we would like to move forward with, is making some international connections. Countries where we have representatives here…Trinidad, Mexico, Belgium, Mexico and Spain. Those are the few we have earmarked and hopefully after we get over some of the issues we have now we will be able to make these approaches and move forward,” Gomes said at a recent press briefing.

He added, “The idea is to work with them in competitions between our athletes and their athletes for things like training, refereeing and coaching, and other initiatives we might have.”

Another item on the GAPLF agenda is implementing an athletes’ insurance policy; groundwork for this has already started. Gomes admitted it is a long process, but they must ensure athletes’ well-being is paramount.

Additionally, President Ed Caesar stated the hope is to grow the sport, attracting competitors from outside of Georgetown and East Coast Demerara, noting there have been invitations from as far as Bartica and Lethem in recent times.

After the successful hosting of the Novices in which they had 40 new lifters, attention will turn to the RAW Nationals (Unequipped) on August 25 at the St. Stanislaus College.

Next will be international action with a team set to compete at the South American Powerlifting and Bench Press Equipped and Classic Championships from September 18 to 23 in Uruguay.