The Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) is making a public appeal to potential sponsors to assist their elite athletes who are set to represent the nation at the Commonwealth Classic Powerlifting and Benchpress Championships in New Zealand next month.
According to a press release, the federation’s preliminary nomination comprises two officials and nine athletes who are champions of their respective divisions with internationally competitive lifts.
The press release stated that the team includes Carlos Petterson-Grifith, five-time national powerlifting champion and record holder both locally and internationally (Squat, Deadlift and Total).
Bjorn Williams, current deadlift, bench press and total record holder in the 105kg division, and Dominic Tyrell, the current National Record holder in Squat Deadlift and total in the Junior 74kg, as well 2 times National Junior 74kg Champion and who has unofficially recorded a world Record deadlift, which he aims to make official at the championship.
Other members include Roger Rogers, MII Pam Am Squat and deadlift record holder, and Nadina Taharally, Masters I who holds national records in the Open and MI categories for the Squat, Bench Press, Deadlift, and Total.
The release further stated that the main hurdle facing Guyana’s participation is the lack of financial resources. The federation has solicited financial and material support from the public and private sectors and is hoping for favorable responses to its requests to make participation possible.
In the meantime, the athletes are in full preparation mode in anticipation of participation. Guyana’s team will be ready and eager to represent the Golden Arrowhead as they have done in the past.
The release concluded that the GAPLF anticipates a successful showing of its athletes and is appealing to potential sponsors to come on board and support the team’s participation at the November 28 to December 4 event.
