2008 GPC-Canadian National Powerlifting Championships

 

WOW ! Where should one begin regarding the GPC-Canadian Nationals held in Calgary May 24, 2008.

 

The setting for this one day event was the Ogden Legion Branch 154.

Under the watchful eyes of Michael Higgins and his support team , they looked after the logistics of keeping the 6000 sq.ft. venue running smoothly.

 

With open bar and plenty of food the capacity crowd of over 300 spectators cheered and supported lifters from beginning till the very end; and folks it was 14 hours of lifting.

Never in the history of Canadian powerlifting could such a crowd of been equalled.

 

Opening ceremonies had the athletes and spectators alike tingling with enthusiasm and patriotism when a member of the Ogden pipers marched in the flag and the 17 Special Olympic lifters onto the platform area.

The stirring sounds from the bag pipes filled many eyes with watery pride as this day was about to unfold.

 

Today’s qualifying event would decide who would have the opportunity to represent Canada at the World Championships in Birmingham England in September.

 

Bob Packer, Gary Bobrovitz and Vince Graham all Internationally qualified judges set the standard with three national judges James Slyk, Randy Etselle and Burt Meriman following their lead.

This event was judged hard and fair; as all qualifying events should be.

 

The most welcoming surprise of all at this event was the re-uniting of many lifters from the now retired WPC Federation and lifters from the IPF. They have come to Calgary to have fun and just lift weights.

 

Brian Johnston, meet promoter and President of GPC-Canada continues to step to the plate putting on meets that are unequalled.

Brian and his staff made up of Lora Greco, Michelle Senger, Ben Greenbaum , Shawn Owens, Paz Greco and Louise Piattelli leave nothing to chance. This crew worked feverishly through the night to ensure all would run smoothly and above all else safely come start time.

 

Speaking of safety brings us to the spotting and loading crew that worked like a well oiled machine. Kyle, Dean, Tyler, Rick, Corey and Mario handled over 600 attempts throughout the day and probably drank nearly that many Beaver Buzz energy drinks to stay sharp for each and every lifter.

Great job Guys!!!

 

Tabatha took on the daunting challenge as meet MC. Being her first event she acted like a pro. Between juggling lifters order, entertaining the crowd, handing out door prizes; she still managed a smile and a surge of energy to help give out medals at the end of the day.

 

The small, but very loyal sponsors that make these events possible time and time again include:

Primal Screen under Ben Greenbaum continues to come out with amazing T-shirts and jackets along with providing projectors and screens to make the lifting order run smoothly.

 

Costa-Cana owner Bruce Covernton provides fair trade coffee. Brewing up an amazing coffee for a small fee that is turn given back to Special Olympics Calgary to help support powerlifting.

 

Go Mango Fitness has Randy Cave always willing to lend out equipment or provide gifts to the lifters.

 

Beaver Buzz Energy Drinks has stepped up under James Drayson to ensure lifters are provided a highly effective energy drink that tastes great and is made locally.

 

LMT Express DJ service gets Lano Tondu driving 4 hours from Wainwright,

AB. to pump out kickass tunes for the lifters and fans alike.

 

Orr Productions is a must for any event. Planner Linda Orr will take the guess work out when it comes to coordinating a great show.

 

And lastly Ki Fitness Personal Training for providing the equipment that makes the meets possible. Also providing many of the novice lifters with lifting suits and belts to help them learn and see how exciting the sport of powerlifting can be .This small training studio is home to the largest team of Canadian Powerlifters and is a must for anyone wanting to get involved in the sport.

 

 

I sure hope there is a special place in Heaven for volunteers. Your selfless hard work does not go unnoticed.

The set-up and tear down of the venue is very demanding and greatly appreciated by all. Meets like this could not happen without you!

 

In closing, great job lifters for showing what you’re made of and hanging in there thru a very long day of exciting, crowd pleasing lifting.

We applaud you!!

GO   CANADA   GO…