New powerlifting referees trained in Americas

The aim of the courses are to recruit and train more officials in key areas, to develop powerlifting and encourage more athletes into the sport.

A clutch of new referees from the Americas have recently qualified to oversee powerlifting competitions, showing the development of sport in the region ahead of Rio 2016.

A total of 30 trainee referees qualified following courses in in September, including six referees from Argentina, 13 from Colombia, six from Brazil and five from Mexico, who all gained category two, national or regional qualifications.

Category two referees have a minimum of two years’ experience at national or regional level combined.

The confirmation comes as powerlifters prepare for the 2014 IPC Powerlifting World Championships, which will take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from 5-11 April. The 2013 IPC Powerlifting Asian Open Championships is the next regional compeition, beginning on 3 November in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The aim of the courses are to recruit and train more officials in key areas, to develop powerlifting and encourage more athletes into the sport.

More refereeing courses are already planned for 2014 in Chile, and a further two in Canada and the USA.