THE Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCYS) delivered on its promise to the Guyana Amateur Power-lifting Federation (GAPF) to acquire the standard international equipment to host the fourth NAPF Caribbean Islands Bench Press & Power-lifting Championships scheduled for March/April next year in Guyana.

Sport Minister Dr Frank Anthony is surrounded by Guyana’s trio of successful power-lifters – Randolph Morgan (red T-shirt), ‘Big’ John Edwards (right) and Mervyn ‘Spongy’ Moses (left). Also in the photo are president of GAPF Peter Greene (next to Edwards), Director of Sport Neil Kumar (second from left) and other executives of GAPF.

After Guyana’s successful showing at this year’s championship in the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) and it was announced Guyana was hosting the fourth edition, the GAPF approached the sport ministry for assistance. Yesterday at the ministry’s office on Main Street, president of GAPF, Peter Greene, stated that it was a “culmination of a long dream to acquire the equipment”.

He stated that there were always the personnel and human resources but there was never the equipment for the lifters who sacrificed their “blood, sweat and tears” to become successful. Ecstatically, he lauded the dedication of the Sport Minister Dr. Frank Anthony for his cooperation and assistance at negotiating with the International Power-lifting Federation (IPF) to get the equipment at reduced prices.

The equipment which cost some US$770 000 was as a result of a five-year plan submitted by the GAPF executives to conform to international standards. Anthony also reflected that when local lifters were competing using the old equipment the success rate at international championships was startling; therefore his ministry will continue to be facilitators of sport development in Guyana.

Anthony congratulated the federation for its foresight of collaboration with the ministry and by extension the economic benefits that will be derived from such an international event. The minister also stressed the need for the further development of the sporting tourism industry whilst reminding the gathering that Guyana will be boasting a packed international roster next year.

Meanwhile, Guyana’s three most successful power-lifters are currently preparing to take on their international counterparts in Miami at the 12th NAPF/FESUPO Pan-American Power-lifting Championships.

The tournament which starts on August 6 will feature Guyana and Caribbean 125 kg champion ‘Big’ John Edwards.

Debutant gold medallist and best lifter from the 3rd Caribbean Islands Bench Press and Power-lifting Championships held in the USVI, Randolph Morgan, and the much touted world class lifter Mervyn ‘Spongy’ Morris will complete Guyana’s contingent of athletes.

Edwards and Moses have consistently brought success to Guyana but, speaking to Morgan, he stated that he is always confident in his abilities and he uses the pulse of the competition for motivation.

Earlier, Moses had stated that his disqualification from the third edition because of his competition shirt having an alteration as a result of a tear during training prior to the competition will not recur in Miami. He had said the special type of clothing cost over US$150 and it was difficult to replace it at such short notice without help.

Speaking to ‘Spongy’ Morris yesterday he stated that he is awaiting the arrival of a new piece of equipment and the old one is being repaired.