The Guyana Amateur Power Lifting Federation (GAPLF) has selected a three-man team to compete in the North American Powerlifting Federation’s (NAPF) third annual Caribbean Islands Bench Press and Power lifting Championships set for the US Virgin Islands from May 14 to 16.
Caribbean number one John ‘Big John’ Edwards who currently holds three regional records in the Master M1 125 kg class heads the Peter Greene managed team, with 2008 NAPF silver medallist Mervyn Moses and national champion in the 82.5 kg class Randolph Morgan.
According to Greene, he will not only be managing the team to these championships, but plans to seek developmental assistance from the NAPF along with obtaining first-hand information on the international requirements for Guyana’s hosting of the 2010 Championships. “With Guyana set to host next year’s tournament, I thought it wise to accompany the team to this year’s tournament as it would present the opportunity for me to have a first-hand look at the way the championship is being organized.
“I want Guyana’s hosting of next year’s championship to be the best ever championship held so far in the four-year history of the tournament.”
According to Greene, the three lifters have already acquired their visas from the United States Embassy, but are pressed for funds to make the trip a reality. The GAPLF is therefore calling on the corporate sector to offer support.
“It is of great importance to the hotel industry as well as all Guyana, that full support be thrown behind the GAPLF as it embarks on its journey to put Guyana permanently on the sporting and tourism map as a viable marketing destination,” he said.
During the tournament, the team will be distributing brochures to the international athletes, he added.
The team is expected to leave Guyana on May 13 and return six days later.
Meanwhile, the GAPLF is advising all lifters that April 26 is the date set for the staging of the novices’ championships in Georgetown. A venue has not been identified for the Banks DIH Limited sponsored event, but all prospective lifters should get themselves prepared for the first meet on the GAPLF calendar of events this year.