GAPF Classic RAW Nationals set for Sept. 18

Aug 29, 2016 Sports

The Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation will be hosting its annual Raw National Powerlifting competition on September 18th, 2016 at Critchlow Labour College. It promises to be the largest Local Competition to be hosted by the GAPF in several years with the likelihood of eclipsing the Senior Nationals which is slated for November 2016.

Farook Abdool

‘Big’ John Edwards

Raw Lifting has become very popular on the International stage and has increased the popularity of the sport of powerlifting. Athletes are now finding greater interest in the format of the sport that requires less performance-enhancing attire and guarantees more of a level playing field for all athletes in participation.
The September competition will be an open invitation to all lifters and will not have a Novice or Intermediate category but will, instead, have various categories such as Masters 1 ages 39-49, Masters 2 (50 – 59), Masters 3 (60 – 69) and Masters 4 (70 – 79) for Male and Female Lifters.
There will be Sub-Junior (15 – 19) and Junior (20 – 24) categories for Males and Females.
According to a release from the federation, it’s their intention to encourage all fitness enthusiasts to be part of the sport of powerlifting and as such there will be a relaxed dress code with regards to lifters’ attire when competing.
Spectators can look forward to an entertaining day of Raw/Unequipped Lifting. Anticipated to make a grand return is ‘Big’ John Edwards, Guyana’s most decorated Powerlifter who was sidelined from the Masters Championships in June due to injury.
There will be several youngsters vying for top honors in the various categories. Carlos Peterson who has made his name as the Overall Novice and Intermediate Best Lifter in the unequipped category is also expected to be participating in this event.
Lisa Oudit, Intermediate 72kg Women’s Champion is also expected to throw down the gauntlet to her colleagues and has every intention of ‘bettering’ her previous performance. A large contingent from Life Gym, led by National Lifter, Dr. Osmond Mack will invade the City.
The likes of Neesa Bhagwandin, Tinesha and Jacquelyn Toney will, definitely ‘Heat Up’ the platform with expected superb performances for which they are known. The competition will also see strongmen from the “Ancient County” in contention with lifters being led by Masters competitor Farouk Abdool who was unable to complete his last competition due to an injury sustained whilst squatting. Abdool and John Edwards are expected to face off.
Spectators, who will be asked to pay a nominal entrance fee of $500, can look forward to novelty events to test their might for cash and other prizes. All are encouraged to come out and participate in this event. Registration ends on September 5th and registration fee is $1,000.
The GAPF also noted in the release that successful participation at this competition will not serve as a prerequisite to qualify for 2017 Regional and International competitions. Lifters are advised that they must compete at Senior Nationals and achieve the minimum standards to be considered for overseas engagements on the National team.

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