The return of local strength athletes to the platform could be imminent.
This is according to Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPF), Runita White.
White told this publication yesterday that the federation has plans to host its first event of the season on April 25.
However, White added that the event must first get the green light by the National COVID-19 Task Force.
A letter seeking permission to host the event was dispatched to a few weeks ago.
“The federation has already sent a letter to the Task Force requesting to host the championships” said White adding, “So far we have had no response from them but we are hoping that it is forthcoming this week.”
White pointed out that the federation did receive permission to host a meet earlier in the year but the permission was received just two weeks prior to the date scheduled hence the meet had to be shelved and a new letter had to be written asking for a later date in order to give athletes adequate time to prepare and peak.
White said that once permission is granted, the GAPF will stage a meet for Novices and Juniors most likely at the St Stanislaus College auditorium.
The competition will most likely be a virtual one, free of spectators as a means to help curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In other territories where the sport has already made a successful return, organisers follow some of the general precautions below:
Bars plates, and collars are sanitized between each round (i.e., squats round 1, squats, round 2, etc.). This must be accomplished by spray-type disinfectant.
Warmup equipment is sanitized between each session.
Hand sanitizer or portable hand washing stations is provided. One of these sanitizing strategies must be used by the athlete prior to each attempt. Chalk may be applied after hand sanitizing.
Attempts will be given orally, rather than in writing and scoring staff will write them down in the presence of the athlete or coach. The athlete or coach may not touch or approach the scoring table closer than 6 feet.
