President's Message


August 01, 2005

Mid-year is a time to reflect on our accomplishments, and to highlight things that we would like to point to for the remainder of the year, and for next year. We all know that planning for growth, for international competition, and for continued gains may not be done on the spur of the moment. Rather, we must think about our goals, our direction, and where we would like to focus our resources.

One of the areas in which your Executive has worked exhaustively is in increasing the opportunities for our athletes to participate in what we call the "world community of powerlifting." Up until recent years, most of our athletes and officials have not had the opportunity to participate at the international level. While it has been one of our objectives to fill each team, by virtue of the limited slots available, not more than about 125-150 lifters each year have been able won international traveling team positions. This, unfortunately, has been about 5% of our membership who are privileged to rub shoulders with the best in the world, and most importantly, to enjoy the camaraderie that comes from friendly competition, sharing stories and gifts, and meeting our counterparts from all over the world.

These past 3 years, we have worked diligently to increase the opportunities for those who might not win one of the (limited) world team positions by developing other international competitive possibilities. One area in which we have been relatively successful is in having the privilege to participate in "Friendly Internationals." Teams from the U.S. have lifted in Norway, Russia, and Brasil in recent years. These competitions are "open." That is to say that any lifter, regardless of experience may apply to go. All are accepted up to the limit that meet promoter sets, on a first come, first served basis. It is not an understatement to say that these trips have been some of the best experiences in the careers of the athletes and officials who have attended. In the coming years, we are hoping for invitations back to Brazil, to Canada, to Great Britain, and perhaps, to one of the countries in the Far East. These competitions will be announced with as much prior notice as possible, but not less than 3 months in advance. Please commit early so that we may send solid, prepared teams to these meets.

We have also worked, and supported the development of Regional powerlifting. In the third year of the North American Powerlfting Federation, we have had our greatest success. 74 lifters from 8 countries took the platform in Miami this past June to vie for the title of Regional Champion. 21 countries have signed on to the NAPF, and several new championships are coming on line in the next several years including the Central American Championships, the Championships of the Caribbean, and the Pan American Powerlifting Championships. We are also working with our friends in Brazil to have a North vs. South America Cup next year.

What this means to our grassroots lifters is increased opportunities, and as a result, better individual performance, the chance to enrich our lives through travel, and the chance to make new friends. These have to be some of the most important reasons to participate in sport. And they are open to you as members of USA Powerlifting.

Best regards,
L.J. Maile, Ph.D.
President