THE Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) has changed the date for its Intermediate/Masters Championships. They have now brought forward the competition from May 27, as was initially announced, to May 13.

This switch was done with consideration for the federation’s Muslim athletes, who will be observing Ramadan just two days after the championships.
This was disclosed by GAPLF Public Relations Officer, Runita White. “We made the change due to the fact that there are Muslims who compete and the initial date would have affected them from competing since it have been during Ramadan.”

“Fasting starts on May 15, so in order to accommodate our Muslim athletes the date was changed to the May 13.”
Meanwhile, in observance of International Women’s Day, the GAPLF will be hosting a lifting exhibition on Saturday to celebrate Guyanese women in powerlifting, just two days after International Women’s Day.

The federation will also seize the opportunity to raise awareness of the sport by providing a forum for those who want to learn about the sport and improve their technique.
Members of the GAPLF executive will be on hand to answer any questions that prospective lifters might have.

“Most importantly, we’re trying to break down the stereotypes that people have as it relates to women who powerlift,” White revealed.
The venue set for the exhibition is at fast food restaurant ‘Pollo Tropical’ on Camp and Robb Streets opposite Republic Bank. The fast food franchise is on board the event as a major sponsor and the exhibition lifts off at 11:00hrs.