Rookie Ironmen gearing up for GAPF Novices on February 18

Feb 03, 2010 Sports

Colin ‘Mr. Clean’ Chesney to attempt squatting 800lbs

The 2010 Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPF) Novice Championships which is set for February 18 at a venue to be announced is anticipated to be the most exciting ever.

According to Public Relations Officer of the GAPF Mark Seymour, this year’s Novices, coming just before the Caribbean Championships which Guyana will be hosting next is expected to set the tone for that championship.

Colin ‘Mr. Clean’ Chesney

Seymour informed that the GAPF just last Sunday met with athletes and officials in the Bauxite Mining Town of Linden to update them on activities of the body for the remainder of the year and they are very excited to be a part and lend support. .

Linden’s strongman Colin ‘Mr. Clean’ Chesney who competes in the 125kg (242lb class) will attempt to become the first Guyanese to squat 800 pounds when he appears as a guest lifter at the Novices. A number of other guest lifters are expected to be on show.

All rules and regulations of the GAPF, Regional and World bodies will be in full effect and random drug testing is expected to be done at this event. Additionally, all gear must be IPF/ GAPF approved; no hiking or safety boots will be allowed, only flats – converse boots or sneakers.

Seymour notes that the local governing body is tightening up on the rules as athletes will have to be start getting into the Caribbean Championships mode. Caribbean athletes will be competing for top honors at the 4th Annual IPF/NAPF Caribbean Power Lifting and Bench Press Championships set for the Princess International Hotel march 18 – 20.

Some of the region’s strongest men and women will be in the Land of Many Waters showcasing their strengths and the host nation will be going all out to not only take the overall team championship but the likes of ‘Big’ John Edwards, Randolph Morgan, Mervin ‘Spongy’ Moses, Vijay Rahim, Anis Ade Thomas and the Immamdeen brothers will be aiming to keep the Golden arrowhead aloft.

Team preparations have been going well and from all appearances, the athletes will be in the best shape of their lives come next month.

Meanwhile, the Intermediate Championships will take place on May 30th while the seniors will be contested on Ocotober 24, 2010. Athlete’s who are interested in making the National team for championships in Puerto Rico in July, must compete in the Novices and the Intermediate which will give the GAPF the opportunity to evaluate them.