THE successful 15-member team that represented Guyana at the 16th North American Powerlifting Federation (NAPF) and 32nd South American Powerlifting Federation (FESUPO) Championships held in Florida recently, was presented with medals of achievement by the National Sports Commission (NSC).

The simple ceremony was attended by the Director of Sport, Christopher Jones, the powerlifters and members of the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPF).
The athletes were bestowed with the NSC’s highest award, its Medal of Achievement, given to sportspersons who have represented Guyana exceptionally well at an international level.
The endeavours of the lifters to garner 33 medals, inclusive of 19 gold and to break a number of records in the process did not go unnoticed by the NSC and the Director of Sport.

President of the GAPF, Ed Caesar stressed the progress of the federation in developing the sport in Guyana. Additionally, General Secretary Andrea Smith highlighted that the federation is striving to participate in the upcoming Commonwealth Championships, as well as the next Olympics.
Members of the federation also used the forum to address several of the issues encountered by the federation. At the fore of these issues was the lack of funding for the athletes to participate in competitions outside of Guyana, added to the lack of local support.

Though extremely grateful for the support received from all corners, they related that the federation does need much more.
Nevertheless, Jones reassured that the commission is cognizant of the difficulties faced and will be seeking to address these. He also acknowledged the will of the federation whereby members engaged in fundraising activities to support the athletes and sought the help of corporate entities.

Speaking to the Chronicle Sport, Jones related that since these sportspersons have demonstrated their ability to medal at an international level, the NSC now has the requisite impetus to foster the development of the sport in Guyana.
According to him, “The Sports commission will now be looking into its 2018 agenda to ensure that powerlifting and the enhancing of the sport through the facilities and equipment is made available so that we can prepare these athletes for the Olympics and other international competitions.”