The Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPF) will be bringing the curtain down tomorrow on what can be described as an outstanding year for the sport both nationally and internationally with the hosting of its premier event, the senior national championships.
The GAPF and Fitness Express sponsored event will begin at 10am at the St. Stanislaus Auditorium and fans of the iron sport will see a line-up of internationally recognized powerlifters and record holders defending their status against an equally eager, confident and emerging crop of determined young guns.
Several record break performances are envisaged on the day since Vijai Rahim, Paul Adams, Osmond Mack, Anis Ade Thomas, Winston ‘Little Master’ Stoby and Karel Mars will be in their power suits. Weigh-in starts at 7:30am and will continue until 9:30 am.
On the female side a new best lifter overall champion from the registered pool of three lifters will be crowned in the absence of Caribbean and national female champion Kimberley Mars who is not defending her crown. Promising heavyweight, youngster Natoya Robinson (Life Gym) seeks to make amends for last year’s failed attempts whilst fast improving and technically correct lifter Andrea Smith (BodyMaxx) clashes with the exciting Chloe Hunter (Buddy’s Gym). IPF Certified Category II Judges John Edwards and Edwin Spencer spearhead the judges’ panel.
As customary, the senior nationals will be the yardstick used by the GAPF to select teams to represent Guyana internationally.
With an eye towards selection on the senior national team for next year’s Caribbean Powerlifting Championships tentatively set for here in March, The Pan American Championships (Sao Paolo Brazil) in August and Commonwealth Championships (Vancouver, Canada) next December, explosive and record breaking lifts are set to be the order of the day as the 24 lifters seek to catch the eye of the selectors.
As part of the fund raising effort for next year’s activities as well as defray the expenses incurred in hosting the event, the Federation will be charging an entrance fee of $500. Meals and Beverages will also be available.
