Bulletin 15 - February 2012
A SUMMARISED HISTORY OF MASTERS WEIGHTLIFTING
INTRODUCTION
Rumour abounds and the strange thing is that almost every rumour and almost everything that happens in Masters weightlifting is reported back to me by one method of communication or another. Sometimes it takes longer than other times and sometimes I get to know very quickly. The most recent rumour is that a few of the athletes in the Masters across Europe were not too happy with a previous website bulletin regarding the dates first proposed for the Masters Cup competition in Vienna.
The one thing I hope I made clear in that bulletin was that my main reason for not wanting the original dates was to
protect the European Masters Championship which I believe to be the main championship for all the Masters across Europe. The dates have now been changed, maybe because I gave my opinion, maybe for other reasons. This latest bulletin is an intended attempt to give all the Master weightlifters across Europe an insight into the past and also to show that my passion for Masters weightlifting burns as brightly as ever even though I have made a decision not to compete again. I made this decision after surgery to my left shoulder in 2004 and then my right shoulder in 2005, although I am still lifting today but without the spur of competition.
THE IWF MASTERS COMMITTEE
My first International Masters championship was the 1989 WMG (World Masters Games) in Aalborg, Denmark, a significant championship in the history of the Masters because it was in Aalborg where the first World Masters Congress of Nations was held. At the Congress the first World Masters Weightlifting Committee was elected with the Chairman, Mr. Walter Imahara from Baton Rouge, USA. Mr. Imahara resigned as Chairman at the 2008 Congress in Kefalonia, Greece, having served as Chairman for 19 years. In that period of time Mr. Imahara’s influence and achievement was such that it is quite possible that no other person in the sphere of Masters weightlifting will ever surpass it. Indeed it was he who negotiated and reached an agreement with the IWF that the Masters would be a sub-committee of the IWF; this was sometime in the late 1990’s.
Where do I come into all of this? Well I have attended every World Masters Championship and attended every Congress since 1989 without missing one of year . From 1989 until 1997 I attended Congress as a delegate for British weightlifting and casting my vote in favour or against such things as future championship venues and rule changes affecting the Masters. In 1997 I arrived to compete in the World Masters Championship in Koszalin, Poland, and was immediately met by Hubert Huber, Austria, (then General Secretary of the European Masters Committee) and Kurt Rosenberger (European Masters Chief Referee). The position of World Masters General Secretary was vacant and they
were both insistent that I speak to Mr. Imahara about taking this position in the World Masters Committee which, after much discussion I did. I have been re-elected to this position as IWF Masters General Secretary at every World
Masters Congress since, i.e. 2000, 2004, and 2008.
THE EUROPEAN MASTERS COMMITTEE
The first European Masters Championship was 1991 in Salzburg, Austria, and I did not attend, nor did I attend the 1993 championship in Sokolov, Czech Republic. I have attended every other European Masters Championship and also competed in many of them. Two years after my appointment as IWF Masters General Secretary the hosting of the 1999 European Masters Championship was Kazincbarcika, Hungary. The sad news was that the late and great Master weightlifter and European Masters Chairman, Walter Legel, was terminally ill. General Secretary Hubert Huber had decided that he no longer wanted to work for the European Masters Committee and both he and Walter Legel both wanted me to form a new committee and take the position of Chairman.
The new committee was –
Chairman - Bill Barton (GBR)
Treasurer – Kurt Rosenberger (GER)
Vice Chairman –Jan Hinrichsen (SWE)
Vice Chairma –Anton Huber (AUT)
A later addition as a vice chairman was Nikolaos Galiatsatos (GRE) who was dismissed from the committee by unanimous agreement in 2007.
Congress in Kazincbarcika was asked to approve the personnel of the new committee for one year and until Electoral Congress in 2000 Kefalonia, Greece, and the agreement was unanimous. One year later Congress re-elected the same personnel and again in 2004 and 2008. In 2009 Tolyatti, Russia, Congress agreed to the appointment of Denise Offermann as the General Secretary and I believe this to be one of the most important Congress decisions in recent
years.
MASTERS CHAMPIONSHIPS
When considering World and European Masters Championships in the years since 1989 it is certain that vast improvements have made that have been for the benefit of the athletes who have always been given priority
consideration. When a country wins a bid to host either of these prestigious championships work immediately begins to negotiate a better championship, it has not always proved possible, nevertheless, it is always an annual “goal” of both
committees to continue to make improvements championship by championship and that goal will remain.
When I was first competing in International Masters weightlifting the competitions did not have so many sessions and many sessions had as many as 26 competitors. This was worsened by the fact that the warm up area may only have had 4 platforms meaning that 6 or 7 lifters were warming up on the same platform. To make matters even worse, some lifters would join in for a training session and so many a warm up session was total chaos for a competitor. There
were no full size 2.5 kg or 5 kg discs and often equipment was old; some of it was borrowed from local clubs, with bars that were quite old and rubber discs that were split and badly worn; compare that with present championships. I
remember the oldest competitor in Aalborg, a Japanese gentleman, warming up with 30 kg, a bar and collars, and dropping it from overhead and breaking both of the collars!
Congress presented its own problems with agendas and previous minutes in one language –English. As a consequence many of the nations present either could not follow what was being said, or had great difficulty, e.g. Russia, Poland, Ukraine, Belarus, etc. To their credit they persevered and continued to be ever present at Congress. Around 2005 the European Masters Committee started to translate Congress documents into Russian for the benefit of the Eastern European countries. One or two year later with the assistance of Denise Offermann the European masters Committee was translating into Russian, German, and French, to make it easier for all nations to participate. Since 2009 the IWF Masters Committee also started to have documentation translated and now both committees are translating their Congress documentation into Russian, German, French, and Spanish. Congress now runs much smoother and is completed much more quickly and efficiently.
SOME PERSONAL HIGHLIGHTS
· Winning the gold medals at the 1994 World Masters Championship in Perth, Australia, and the gold medal at the WMG in Brisbane only 11 days later.
· My appointment as the Competition Secretary at the 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games Weightlifting.
· Being able to travel to watch World and European Senior Championships held in Europe and see some of the best lifters in the history of weightlifting – Vasily Alexeev and David Rigert to name just two. Many more too numerous to
mention.
· I have enjoyed every European Masters Championship since 1999 when I became Chairman, and including 1999 and especially 2006 and 2011 Heinsheim, Germany.
· The vast improvements in the refereeing at Masters weightlifting championships.
· The continual support and loyalty I receive from committee members.
· Knowing Kurt Rosenberger and Anton Huber (two gentlemen) through most of my years in the Masters.
· Best of all is the quote from Martina Dosquet, organiser of the 2006 and 2011 European Masters Championships in Heinsheim, Germany. When asked why she had taken on the task of organising a major International Masters Championship she replied, “I travelled to Dolny Kubin, Slovakia, to discuss the 2006 championship in Heinsheim with you, when I arrived home I told all my organising committee – it will not be a problem, I can work with Bill Barton”
. A third would also be welcome.
A FEW PERSONAL DISAPPOINTMENTS
· My decision to stop competing in weightlifting championships.
· Every single positive drug test, and of course, cheating in sport.
· I never won a medal (of any colour) in a European Masters Championship, it would have been good.
· Having my friendship betrayed by three people in Masters’ weightlifting to whom I gave my support and trust.
IN CONCLUSION
A good friend in the Masters once said to me that people who do not speak the same language as you understand you the most because they use their eyes more effectively. I think there is a lot of truth in this and it’s a good reason for me to always try to respond in a positive way when anyone in the Masters asks for my help or simply wants to shake my hand, many people do, it is not a hardship it’s a privilege.
In spite of my own decision not to compete any more in Masters weightlifting I still believe people should continue to try to compete for as long as they are physically capable and they can perform the two lifts to the satisfaction of at least 2 of the three referees. For this reason my interest and passion for the Masters remains as high as ever and I want to organise good championships to benefit those that have lifted continuously over a number of years and also attract new lifters in the younger 35 – 44 age range. The masters is flourishing at this period in time, I want this to be sustained and even bettered.
Everyone wants a “level playing field” when competing in sport, that is to say they want everything in a competition to be fair and equal. For that reason it is essential that strict Doping Control procedures continue to be organised as efficiently and effectively as possible throughout our wonderful Masters weightlifting movement without it (and any other influences) affecting current entry fees and creating financial disadvantages. There are budgets within Masters weightlifting to cover the costs of doping control, careful controls must be exercised to ensure budgets are not overspent and budgets do not need to be increased at the expense of competitors.
It must also be stressed that the work of members of the IWF Masters and European Masters Committees is voluntary. Everyone gives their time free and without payment. Everyone pays their own travel expenses no matter where the championship takes place. The only compensation received for working 8 days at the championships is hotel accommodation and breakfast and perhaps a lunch whilst working at the venue, paid for by the Organising Committee.
Masters weightlifting must surely have the following attributes.
· It must be competitive.
· It must be fun.
· It must be friendly.
· It must be sociable.
· It must be well organised.
· It must be affordable to all.
· It must be available for all to participate.
INTRODUCTION
Rumour abounds and the strange thing is that almost every rumour and almost everything that happens in Masters weightlifting is reported back to me by one method of communication or another. Sometimes it takes longer than other times and sometimes I get to know very quickly. The most recent rumour is that a few of the athletes in the Masters across Europe were not too happy with a previous website bulletin regarding the dates first proposed for the Masters Cup competition in Vienna.
The one thing I hope I made clear in that bulletin was that my main reason for not wanting the original dates was to
protect the European Masters Championship which I believe to be the main championship for all the Masters across Europe. The dates have now been changed, maybe because I gave my opinion, maybe for other reasons. This latest bulletin is an intended attempt to give all the Master weightlifters across Europe an insight into the past and also to show that my passion for Masters weightlifting burns as brightly as ever even though I have made a decision not to compete again. I made this decision after surgery to my left shoulder in 2004 and then my right shoulder in 2005, although I am still lifting today but without the spur of competition.
THE IWF MASTERS COMMITTEE
My first International Masters championship was the 1989 WMG (World Masters Games) in Aalborg, Denmark, a significant championship in the history of the Masters because it was in Aalborg where the first World Masters Congress of Nations was held. At the Congress the first World Masters Weightlifting Committee was elected with the Chairman, Mr. Walter Imahara from Baton Rouge, USA. Mr. Imahara resigned as Chairman at the 2008 Congress in Kefalonia, Greece, having served as Chairman for 19 years. In that period of time Mr. Imahara’s influence and achievement was such that it is quite possible that no other person in the sphere of Masters weightlifting will ever surpass it. Indeed it was he who negotiated and reached an agreement with the IWF that the Masters would be a sub-committee of the IWF; this was sometime in the late 1990’s.
Where do I come into all of this? Well I have attended every World Masters Championship and attended every Congress since 1989 without missing one of year . From 1989 until 1997 I attended Congress as a delegate for British weightlifting and casting my vote in favour or against such things as future championship venues and rule changes affecting the Masters. In 1997 I arrived to compete in the World Masters Championship in Koszalin, Poland, and was immediately met by Hubert Huber, Austria, (then General Secretary of the European Masters Committee) and Kurt Rosenberger (European Masters Chief Referee). The position of World Masters General Secretary was vacant and they
were both insistent that I speak to Mr. Imahara about taking this position in the World Masters Committee which, after much discussion I did. I have been re-elected to this position as IWF Masters General Secretary at every World
Masters Congress since, i.e. 2000, 2004, and 2008.
THE EUROPEAN MASTERS COMMITTEE
The first European Masters Championship was 1991 in Salzburg, Austria, and I did not attend, nor did I attend the 1993 championship in Sokolov, Czech Republic. I have attended every other European Masters Championship and also competed in many of them. Two years after my appointment as IWF Masters General Secretary the hosting of the 1999 European Masters Championship was Kazincbarcika, Hungary. The sad news was that the late and great Master weightlifter and European Masters Chairman, Walter Legel, was terminally ill. General Secretary Hubert Huber had decided that he no longer wanted to work for the European Masters Committee and both he and Walter Legel both wanted me to form a new committee and take the position of Chairman.
The new committee was –
Chairman - Bill Barton (GBR)
Treasurer – Kurt Rosenberger (GER)
Vice Chairman –Jan Hinrichsen (SWE)
Vice Chairma –Anton Huber (AUT)
A later addition as a vice chairman was Nikolaos Galiatsatos (GRE) who was dismissed from the committee by unanimous agreement in 2007.
Congress in Kazincbarcika was asked to approve the personnel of the new committee for one year and until Electoral Congress in 2000 Kefalonia, Greece, and the agreement was unanimous. One year later Congress re-elected the same personnel and again in 2004 and 2008. In 2009 Tolyatti, Russia, Congress agreed to the appointment of Denise Offermann as the General Secretary and I believe this to be one of the most important Congress decisions in recent
years.
MASTERS CHAMPIONSHIPS
When considering World and European Masters Championships in the years since 1989 it is certain that vast improvements have made that have been for the benefit of the athletes who have always been given priority
consideration. When a country wins a bid to host either of these prestigious championships work immediately begins to negotiate a better championship, it has not always proved possible, nevertheless, it is always an annual “goal” of both
committees to continue to make improvements championship by championship and that goal will remain.
When I was first competing in International Masters weightlifting the competitions did not have so many sessions and many sessions had as many as 26 competitors. This was worsened by the fact that the warm up area may only have had 4 platforms meaning that 6 or 7 lifters were warming up on the same platform. To make matters even worse, some lifters would join in for a training session and so many a warm up session was total chaos for a competitor. There
were no full size 2.5 kg or 5 kg discs and often equipment was old; some of it was borrowed from local clubs, with bars that were quite old and rubber discs that were split and badly worn; compare that with present championships. I
remember the oldest competitor in Aalborg, a Japanese gentleman, warming up with 30 kg, a bar and collars, and dropping it from overhead and breaking both of the collars!
Congress presented its own problems with agendas and previous minutes in one language –English. As a consequence many of the nations present either could not follow what was being said, or had great difficulty, e.g. Russia, Poland, Ukraine, Belarus, etc. To their credit they persevered and continued to be ever present at Congress. Around 2005 the European Masters Committee started to translate Congress documents into Russian for the benefit of the Eastern European countries. One or two year later with the assistance of Denise Offermann the European masters Committee was translating into Russian, German, and French, to make it easier for all nations to participate. Since 2009 the IWF Masters Committee also started to have documentation translated and now both committees are translating their Congress documentation into Russian, German, French, and Spanish. Congress now runs much smoother and is completed much more quickly and efficiently.
SOME PERSONAL HIGHLIGHTS
· Winning the gold medals at the 1994 World Masters Championship in Perth, Australia, and the gold medal at the WMG in Brisbane only 11 days later.
· My appointment as the Competition Secretary at the 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games Weightlifting.
· Being able to travel to watch World and European Senior Championships held in Europe and see some of the best lifters in the history of weightlifting – Vasily Alexeev and David Rigert to name just two. Many more too numerous to
mention.
· I have enjoyed every European Masters Championship since 1999 when I became Chairman, and including 1999 and especially 2006 and 2011 Heinsheim, Germany.
· The vast improvements in the refereeing at Masters weightlifting championships.
· The continual support and loyalty I receive from committee members.
· Knowing Kurt Rosenberger and Anton Huber (two gentlemen) through most of my years in the Masters.
· Best of all is the quote from Martina Dosquet, organiser of the 2006 and 2011 European Masters Championships in Heinsheim, Germany. When asked why she had taken on the task of organising a major International Masters Championship she replied, “I travelled to Dolny Kubin, Slovakia, to discuss the 2006 championship in Heinsheim with you, when I arrived home I told all my organising committee – it will not be a problem, I can work with Bill Barton”
. A third would also be welcome.
A FEW PERSONAL DISAPPOINTMENTS
· My decision to stop competing in weightlifting championships.
· Every single positive drug test, and of course, cheating in sport.
· I never won a medal (of any colour) in a European Masters Championship, it would have been good.
· Having my friendship betrayed by three people in Masters’ weightlifting to whom I gave my support and trust.
IN CONCLUSION
A good friend in the Masters once said to me that people who do not speak the same language as you understand you the most because they use their eyes more effectively. I think there is a lot of truth in this and it’s a good reason for me to always try to respond in a positive way when anyone in the Masters asks for my help or simply wants to shake my hand, many people do, it is not a hardship it’s a privilege.
In spite of my own decision not to compete any more in Masters weightlifting I still believe people should continue to try to compete for as long as they are physically capable and they can perform the two lifts to the satisfaction of at least 2 of the three referees. For this reason my interest and passion for the Masters remains as high as ever and I want to organise good championships to benefit those that have lifted continuously over a number of years and also attract new lifters in the younger 35 – 44 age range. The masters is flourishing at this period in time, I want this to be sustained and even bettered.
Everyone wants a “level playing field” when competing in sport, that is to say they want everything in a competition to be fair and equal. For that reason it is essential that strict Doping Control procedures continue to be organised as efficiently and effectively as possible throughout our wonderful Masters weightlifting movement without it (and any other influences) affecting current entry fees and creating financial disadvantages. There are budgets within Masters weightlifting to cover the costs of doping control, careful controls must be exercised to ensure budgets are not overspent and budgets do not need to be increased at the expense of competitors.
It must also be stressed that the work of members of the IWF Masters and European Masters Committees is voluntary. Everyone gives their time free and without payment. Everyone pays their own travel expenses no matter where the championship takes place. The only compensation received for working 8 days at the championships is hotel accommodation and breakfast and perhaps a lunch whilst working at the venue, paid for by the Organising Committee.
Masters weightlifting must surely have the following attributes.
· It must be competitive.
· It must be fun.
· It must be friendly.
· It must be sociable.
· It must be well organised.
· It must be affordable to all.
· It must be available for all to participate.
Bulletin 14 - 19th December 2011
The Austrian Masters Chairman, Gerhard Peya, has given notice to the European Masters Committee that he intends to resurrect and organise a European Masters Cup in Vienna in May 2012.
See FOOTNOTE !
The European Masters Committee deplore, and take great exception to his actions. In addition, the Committee will not sanction a championship organised by Gerhard Peya at any time in the near future.
No one should be organising a Masters weightlifting event in Europe at least six (6) weeks before and six (6) weeks after the official European Masters Championship, doing so will detract from the official championship.
In the past Mr. Peya has spoken against members of the European Masters Committee and was critical of the Chairman because he thinks "the Chairman missed an opportunity to criticise the organisation of the European Masters in Tolyatti, Russia". He has also spoken against the championship in Lankaran, Azerbaijan, without having any knowledge of Azerbaijan, let alone Lankaran. Organising a championship in Vienna one month before the championship in Lankaran is a blatent attempt to spoil the 2012 European Masters Championship and attract entries to his own unsanctioned event. Once an official championship is undermined it might be very difficult to get back on track and have championships of the same high quality in the future. If this event takes place on the dates he has chosen it is quite possible that the European Masters Committee will take further action against Mr. Peya. He has no official standing and continues to be a "thorn in the side" for the progress of Masters weightlifting.
Please understand that the Masters must recognise total equality and this surely means that every country has an equal right to bid for the organisation of our official championship. If a country wins that bid it follows that they have the right to expect all the countries to support their opportunity to stage the championship. The argument that Russia, or Ukraine, or Azerbaijan, etc. is too far to travel or it is necessary to have a visa is just not justifiable. All the athletes from these countries travel to all World and European Masters Championships regardless of distance and cost. Sometimes they require a visa for both events, sometimes they pay for a visa which is not granted and their money is not refunded. For example, they have travelled more than once to Austria and also Germany and France. I have never heard one of them complain.
Even if you are not contemplating making the trip to Lankaran I would ask all officials and athletes who normally officiate and/or compete in the European Masters Championship to boycott this event and show solidarity with the European Masters Committee and with the organisers of next year's 2012 European Masters Championship in Lankaran. I hope that Austrian Masters will also boycott the event in Vienna. If we are to have any sort of future for the Masters we all need to be thinking in the same way and working together for the enjoyment of the sport and in the best interests of friendhsip. Do not allow this one man to spoil this future.
I ask you to think about these things carefully.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Bulletin 14 update 1
An email reply from Mr. Peya ...............
Mr. Barton,
I have got knowledge from your letter and read
these.
The reason why I am personally noted down in these
letter:
With the best wishes for Christmas and New Year 2012, from today I take no recognize, no critique, no insult from an embittered, old man (Europaen WL Masters Comitee Chairman) , who is not be able constructively, factually, objectively, in a functional style to argue.
With kind regards
Gerhard Peya
Note: If you read the Masters rulebook you will note that Mr. Peya is in breach of several disciplinary rules, not the least of which is "ageism" (very important for the Masters).
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Bulletin 14 update 2
Dear Bill,
Azerbaijan weightlifters always take part in the championships of Europe and World and we always treat great respect to every reliable championship.
Surely, helding of European Masters Cup in Vienna is a great honour both for
athletes and sport-lovers. But how do you think is it right to held it on the eve of Lankaran European Championship?!
For the state carring out it's first European Masters Weightlifting Championship We do not accept such step of Gerard Peya's sincerely. You always supported
us on helding this championship so we would like you to show your position in this matter,please.
But In spite of all of these, Azerbaijan prepares for the Lankaran championship seriously and waits for the support of all weightlifters and sport-lovers.
Regards
Natig
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
FOOTNOTE
Mr. Peya, Austrian Masters Chairman, has published information on the Austrian WL Federation website that the dates of his cup competition will be changed to
20th - 21st July
or 26th - 27th October
I am certain this change of date will ensure that there is no impact on the European Masters Championship in Lankaran and for this I am grateful to Mr. Peya.
Should Mr. Peya require help for his cup competition I am prepared to offer my help in whatever capacity is necessary and entirely at my own expense. This offer depends on my availability not conflicting with family commitments and available flights to Vienna on the finalised dates.
Bill Barton.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
See FOOTNOTE !
The European Masters Committee deplore, and take great exception to his actions. In addition, the Committee will not sanction a championship organised by Gerhard Peya at any time in the near future.
No one should be organising a Masters weightlifting event in Europe at least six (6) weeks before and six (6) weeks after the official European Masters Championship, doing so will detract from the official championship.
In the past Mr. Peya has spoken against members of the European Masters Committee and was critical of the Chairman because he thinks "the Chairman missed an opportunity to criticise the organisation of the European Masters in Tolyatti, Russia". He has also spoken against the championship in Lankaran, Azerbaijan, without having any knowledge of Azerbaijan, let alone Lankaran. Organising a championship in Vienna one month before the championship in Lankaran is a blatent attempt to spoil the 2012 European Masters Championship and attract entries to his own unsanctioned event. Once an official championship is undermined it might be very difficult to get back on track and have championships of the same high quality in the future. If this event takes place on the dates he has chosen it is quite possible that the European Masters Committee will take further action against Mr. Peya. He has no official standing and continues to be a "thorn in the side" for the progress of Masters weightlifting.
Please understand that the Masters must recognise total equality and this surely means that every country has an equal right to bid for the organisation of our official championship. If a country wins that bid it follows that they have the right to expect all the countries to support their opportunity to stage the championship. The argument that Russia, or Ukraine, or Azerbaijan, etc. is too far to travel or it is necessary to have a visa is just not justifiable. All the athletes from these countries travel to all World and European Masters Championships regardless of distance and cost. Sometimes they require a visa for both events, sometimes they pay for a visa which is not granted and their money is not refunded. For example, they have travelled more than once to Austria and also Germany and France. I have never heard one of them complain.
Even if you are not contemplating making the trip to Lankaran I would ask all officials and athletes who normally officiate and/or compete in the European Masters Championship to boycott this event and show solidarity with the European Masters Committee and with the organisers of next year's 2012 European Masters Championship in Lankaran. I hope that Austrian Masters will also boycott the event in Vienna. If we are to have any sort of future for the Masters we all need to be thinking in the same way and working together for the enjoyment of the sport and in the best interests of friendhsip. Do not allow this one man to spoil this future.
I ask you to think about these things carefully.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Bulletin 14 update 1
An email reply from Mr. Peya ...............
Mr. Barton,
I have got knowledge from your letter and read
these.
The reason why I am personally noted down in these
letter:
With the best wishes for Christmas and New Year 2012, from today I take no recognize, no critique, no insult from an embittered, old man (Europaen WL Masters Comitee Chairman) , who is not be able constructively, factually, objectively, in a functional style to argue.
With kind regards
Gerhard Peya
Note: If you read the Masters rulebook you will note that Mr. Peya is in breach of several disciplinary rules, not the least of which is "ageism" (very important for the Masters).
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Bulletin 14 update 2
Dear Bill,
Azerbaijan weightlifters always take part in the championships of Europe and World and we always treat great respect to every reliable championship.
Surely, helding of European Masters Cup in Vienna is a great honour both for
athletes and sport-lovers. But how do you think is it right to held it on the eve of Lankaran European Championship?!
For the state carring out it's first European Masters Weightlifting Championship We do not accept such step of Gerard Peya's sincerely. You always supported
us on helding this championship so we would like you to show your position in this matter,please.
But In spite of all of these, Azerbaijan prepares for the Lankaran championship seriously and waits for the support of all weightlifters and sport-lovers.
Regards
Natig
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
FOOTNOTE
Mr. Peya, Austrian Masters Chairman, has published information on the Austrian WL Federation website that the dates of his cup competition will be changed to
20th - 21st July
or 26th - 27th October
I am certain this change of date will ensure that there is no impact on the European Masters Championship in Lankaran and for this I am grateful to Mr. Peya.
Should Mr. Peya require help for his cup competition I am prepared to offer my help in whatever capacity is necessary and entirely at my own expense. This offer depends on my availability not conflicting with family commitments and available flights to Vienna on the finalised dates.
Bill Barton.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Bulletin 13 - 16th August 2011
- A VISIT TO LANKARAN(See also photo gallery)
At the kind request of Mr. Natig Agayev and the Lankaran organising committee two members of the European Masters Weightlifting Committee. Bill Barton and Melvyn Barton, were invited to visit Lankaran to view next year's championship venue and look at some of the hotel accommodation available for next year. Natig has a very capable translator, her name is Khayala, and she was with us constantly to help us in all conversations with everyone we met during our stay there.
We actually stayed in a hotel next door to, and about 50 metres walk from the venue. We looked at a few hotels and we can report that they are all of a high standard and reasonably priced at prices similar to most hotels in other towns in Europe that have hosted a European Masters Championship. The venue is a purpose built venue offering a very good standard and it will be ideal for the championship particularly as the furthest hotels are only 2 km from the venue and a shuttlebus will be used to transport people staying in these hotels.
The venue will have some minor construction to improve arrangements for the championship and when it is over the construction work will be removed to restore the venue to its original state. It is also in its own grounds and large tents will be erected where everyone can meet and enjoy some food and a drink in cordial company and surroundings. Some entertainment will also be provided outdoors during the championship days.
During our stay we visited the town hall in Lankaran for an interesting meeting with the mayor and other officials. They also promised their support for the championship in every way possible and the meeting was also broadcast on local radio and television.
Now some points of information.
1. There are direct flights to Lankaran from Moscow.
2. There are direct flights from some European cities, e.g. London (by Azerbaijan Airlines), direct to Baku. Turkish airlines also has many flights from European airports to Baku via Istanbul, it takes longer, but all of the European Masters Committee have travelled this way.
3. There are flights Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday between Baku and Lankaran and the schedule might be increased if the numbers requiring flights are great. The cost is 20 Euros one way.
4. The surface of the roads between Baku and Lankaran are not good and car hire is not recommended. Much road works are being carried out and we were informed that a new road will be ready by next June. The journey by road should only take about two and a half hours on good roads.
5. There is a train service between Baku and Lankaran, it is slow but only costs four Euros, one way. If the organising committee receive requests with time schedules, they will organise transport from airport to rail station, and also transfers from the station in Lankaran to hotels.
6. There is a strong possibility a new hotel will be built next to the venue in time for use during the days of the championship. This was stated by the mayor of Lankaran during our meeting.
7. The ministry, the Azerbaijan W/L Federation, and the Municipal Authority, will all work together to prepare for the championship to be organised at the highest level. The people of Lankaran will be informed, by means of publicity, about the championsip and they will be ready to help and they have a big interest in the sport.
8. The organising committee will privide "letters of invitation" by email and on request, the visa period is for 90 days, I suggest you request a letter of invitation from 1st May 2012 to 31st July 2012 and these are the dates you will enter on your visa application. You will be able to find instructions on the internet on how to obtain a visa but I can inform you that with my application I sent the following -
My passport and one passport sized photograph.
A completed visa application form.
A form showing my credit card details for visa payment.
I had no problems.
9. There is no problem getting a visa but do make sure you apply in good time because it takes 10 working days to get your passport and visa returned. You can obtain your visa by mail (special delivery) or by collecting it in person. Do not leave this until the last minute before you travel.
10. If there is not an Azerbaijan embassy in your city, use the internet to find the nearest or best embassy to suit your needs. Note - There are very few European embassies in Baku and when Azerbaijan lifters need a visa they must apply to embassies in Moscow.
11. You may find that the Azerbaijan Embassy you contact will show details of a "Visa Centre" who will process all visa applications. This was the case with the London Embassy but as stated above, there were no problems.
12. Every effort will be made to help everyone who intends to travel and compete in Lankaran or just visit and take in the championship. No one has anything to fear, it is very safe, the people are warm and friendly, the cuisine and the wine and beer is excellent, and the hotels can be recommended.
Do not miss this championship because it is in the month of June, the weather will be hot and sunny, you can make a holiday there by the Caspian Sea and a swim in the sea before and after the competition will aid recovery and ease any aches and pains and injuries. On a personal note I can inform everyone that I am looking forward immensely to this championship and to my third visit to Azerbaijan and also looking forward to seeing everyone there. If you have time why not stay a day in Baku and tour a wonderful vibrant city with some wonderful buildings and restaurants?
Bill Barton
Chairman - European Masters W/L Committee
Bulletin 12 - 13th July 2011
As one championship ends another championship is surely ahead and we can look forward to the next ...............
2012 Lankaran, Azerbaijan.
When Congress voted in favour of the championship being in Azerbaijan certain things were taken as a certainty -
1. The European Masters Committee will be there, we did not vote but we are happy with the decision of Congress and we are happy because we know everyone will be made to feel very welcome when they arrive in Azerbaijan.
2. When Congress voted for Azerbaijan it was, and is my considered opinion that National Masters Chairman have a duty to encourage their Masters to compete there and make the journey (sometimes personal financial situations make this difficult).
3. No one has the right to be critical of a future host country unless they have been there and can speak from experience.
The European Masters Committee has visited Azerbaijan and know what to expect. Wonderful hospitality, a good cuisine, fine wines and beers, a pleasant climate, and most important a good championship supported by the Government, the Ministry of Tourism, and the National Weightlifting Federation. Click on the "Current Championship" page on this website and then click on the "2012 Championship Magazine" sub page. There you will be able to see for yourself the details of a purpose built sports hall ready for the championship, and also some wonderful accommodation that must surely suit everyone's needs. This magazine was carefully prepared by members of the organising committee and when you have seen it, please consider what you will miss if you do not go to this championship.
Perhaps you are saying to yourself "but it's a long way, I need a visa, the flights may be expensive". Every year the Masters from Russia, Belarus, Lithuania, Ukraine, and yes, Azerbaijan, travel to the European Masters Championships. Yes it is long way for them, yes they must obtain a visa, and yes the flights might be expensive, but it does not stop them from making the journey. A necessary Visa for Azerbaijan was only announced recently by their government, it costs £59 GBP or about Euros 67 and is obtainable from Azerbaijan embassies and some travel agents at an additional cost. The organisers will provide individual "letters of invitation" on request and remember, this championship is supported by the government.
Where is Lankaran? Well, it is on the Caspian Sea so for a start you can also make this a holiday. It's about 200 km or 3 hours bus journey from Baku. Once again, the organisers are prepared to help if you travel to Baku and inform them of your travel itinerary they will make arrangements for you at a low cost. There is also an airport at Lankaran so you can go on the internet to make your flight arrangements and the choice is yours, fly to Baku or Lankaran. There are many flights to Baku from London airports and from airports in Germany.
Two members of the European Masters Committee will travel to Azerbaijan in the middle of August to visit the venue and hotels in Lankaran. It will be necessary for us to obtain visas for our visit. After the visit and before the end of August look out for the next bulletin with visa information and a report on Lankaran. I think that if you do not make the effort to compete in 2012 in this championship, you will be envious of those friends that do.
Bill Barton
Chairman - European Masters Committee
2012 Lankaran, Azerbaijan.
When Congress voted in favour of the championship being in Azerbaijan certain things were taken as a certainty -
1. The European Masters Committee will be there, we did not vote but we are happy with the decision of Congress and we are happy because we know everyone will be made to feel very welcome when they arrive in Azerbaijan.
2. When Congress voted for Azerbaijan it was, and is my considered opinion that National Masters Chairman have a duty to encourage their Masters to compete there and make the journey (sometimes personal financial situations make this difficult).
3. No one has the right to be critical of a future host country unless they have been there and can speak from experience.
The European Masters Committee has visited Azerbaijan and know what to expect. Wonderful hospitality, a good cuisine, fine wines and beers, a pleasant climate, and most important a good championship supported by the Government, the Ministry of Tourism, and the National Weightlifting Federation. Click on the "Current Championship" page on this website and then click on the "2012 Championship Magazine" sub page. There you will be able to see for yourself the details of a purpose built sports hall ready for the championship, and also some wonderful accommodation that must surely suit everyone's needs. This magazine was carefully prepared by members of the organising committee and when you have seen it, please consider what you will miss if you do not go to this championship.
Perhaps you are saying to yourself "but it's a long way, I need a visa, the flights may be expensive". Every year the Masters from Russia, Belarus, Lithuania, Ukraine, and yes, Azerbaijan, travel to the European Masters Championships. Yes it is long way for them, yes they must obtain a visa, and yes the flights might be expensive, but it does not stop them from making the journey. A necessary Visa for Azerbaijan was only announced recently by their government, it costs £59 GBP or about Euros 67 and is obtainable from Azerbaijan embassies and some travel agents at an additional cost. The organisers will provide individual "letters of invitation" on request and remember, this championship is supported by the government.
Where is Lankaran? Well, it is on the Caspian Sea so for a start you can also make this a holiday. It's about 200 km or 3 hours bus journey from Baku. Once again, the organisers are prepared to help if you travel to Baku and inform them of your travel itinerary they will make arrangements for you at a low cost. There is also an airport at Lankaran so you can go on the internet to make your flight arrangements and the choice is yours, fly to Baku or Lankaran. There are many flights to Baku from London airports and from airports in Germany.
Two members of the European Masters Committee will travel to Azerbaijan in the middle of August to visit the venue and hotels in Lankaran. It will be necessary for us to obtain visas for our visit. After the visit and before the end of August look out for the next bulletin with visa information and a report on Lankaran. I think that if you do not make the effort to compete in 2012 in this championship, you will be envious of those friends that do.
Bill Barton
Chairman - European Masters Committee
Bulletin 11 - 15th June 2011
Please read the message below received by email. It is from Coral Quinell who works on the AWF Masters Committee and lives in Brisbane, Australia. Coral was invited with Les Simonton (USA) to attend the 2011 European Masters Championship in Heinsheim, Germany, and both of them took the trouble to make the long trip entirely at their own expense. Both acted as officials at the championship, Coral as a Technical Controller (TC), and Les as a TC and also as a referee.
The European Masters Committee thank them both for making the trip and for the good work they did as officials to help the championship. It was a pleasure to welcome them both to this championship and to know that they both enjoyed it so much. Coral's message below has been written with a good deal of thought and also (I think) because European Masters Weightlifting has left a lasting impression. Thank you coral for all your kind words and generous praise.
Mr Les Simonton [USA Board Member} and myself were invited to attend the European Masters Championships by Mr Bill Barton [Chairman of EM] as a goodwill gesture. The Championships were hosted in a small village with a population of 1500. On arrival I was greeted by the Competition Organizers with a bottle of wine, a basket of their local produce and one big welcome smile. This was the beginning of the best Masters Championships I have attended.
With a start list of over 600 lifters to lift in the 8 days, sessions were long and very tiring. Except for the normal hic cups in the beginning, it was a very well run championship with everyone doing their duties to ensure all ran to time. The whole village turned out in full force to support with pride these championships. The ladies in the village got together each day, shared ingredients to prepare an array of at least 30 home cooked cakes, [served with a smile]. The men cleared tables, served behind the bar, made sure the venue was clean for the following day and were always on hand to assist where they could. The biggest task the village undertook was to ensure everyone had a great experience.
With live entertainment provided every night, the chance to socialize and talk enabled me to learn so much more than I have at other championships. It also gave me the opportunity to form new friendships, respecting, understanding and appreciating our cultural differences. It was humbling when asked to assist with coaching, 6 new records were achieved. Between official duties, there was time to sit, relax and enjoy some great lifting. Andrew Seaber of Great Britain proved age wasn't a barrier, snatching 100kg, clean & jerking 113, cat M5, bw 69. The greatest applause went to the meet director when he became the second lifter to do the magic 100 snatch. There was lots of wine and dancing that night.
The closing dinner was a chance to mingle and say goodbye. The Russians were not allowing me to escape the vodka shots. Much clapping as Les and I swallowed. I managed to slip outside after 1. There, the workers for the meet were in a circle enjoying their customary sharing of a cigar. Wanting to display how much they had enjoyed having me I was passed the cigar and put in the centre, where there was no way I could leave without having a puff.
Language, political beliefs, religion were set aside as all Masters became part of the weightlifting family. Les and I feel very fortunate to have been part of these championships. We will both take what we have learned and share it with others, in our home countries as well as abroad. I am looking forward to the continuing growth of Masters Weightlifting.
Coral Quinell (Australia)
Championship Report
If 2006 Heinsheim was good then 2011 Heinsheim had to perfect. After Coral Quinell's report above there is not too much more I can say.
Martina Dosquet and husband Ralf Fein with virtually the same organising committee as 2006 organised the perfect Masters championship. Once more a great opening ceremony, a great closing ceremony, and in between 8 days of very good Masters weightlifting. Once more the Thursday and Friday days of competition meant that more tables and chairs had to be set up to accommodate the many weightlifting enthusiasts who filled the venue to capacity to cheer on their home grown lifters representing the club and the town. Nothing was too much trouble for this organising committee as every request was dealt with easily and with a smile.
Martina was initiated into the European Women's Hall of Fame on the basis of a recommendation by the European Masters Committee for her excellent organisation of two European Masters Championships. It was impossible to do this for Ralf also and for all the organising committee but they all knew it was for them and for Heinsheim as much as it was for Martina.
Many European and World Masters records were broken and on Wednesday's "Women's Day" the women set a record number of World and European Masters records. Three other women also went into the Hall of Fame - Sandra Smith (GBR), Ute Hehl (GER), and Jitka Stolfova (CZE).
The social aspect of this championship surpassed by far any previous championship (including 2006) and I am sure many new friendships were forged alongside the many that were renewed.
For those who would like photographs from the championship visit -
www.photo-group-heilbronn.de
The European Masters Committee thank them both for making the trip and for the good work they did as officials to help the championship. It was a pleasure to welcome them both to this championship and to know that they both enjoyed it so much. Coral's message below has been written with a good deal of thought and also (I think) because European Masters Weightlifting has left a lasting impression. Thank you coral for all your kind words and generous praise.
Mr Les Simonton [USA Board Member} and myself were invited to attend the European Masters Championships by Mr Bill Barton [Chairman of EM] as a goodwill gesture. The Championships were hosted in a small village with a population of 1500. On arrival I was greeted by the Competition Organizers with a bottle of wine, a basket of their local produce and one big welcome smile. This was the beginning of the best Masters Championships I have attended.
With a start list of over 600 lifters to lift in the 8 days, sessions were long and very tiring. Except for the normal hic cups in the beginning, it was a very well run championship with everyone doing their duties to ensure all ran to time. The whole village turned out in full force to support with pride these championships. The ladies in the village got together each day, shared ingredients to prepare an array of at least 30 home cooked cakes, [served with a smile]. The men cleared tables, served behind the bar, made sure the venue was clean for the following day and were always on hand to assist where they could. The biggest task the village undertook was to ensure everyone had a great experience.
With live entertainment provided every night, the chance to socialize and talk enabled me to learn so much more than I have at other championships. It also gave me the opportunity to form new friendships, respecting, understanding and appreciating our cultural differences. It was humbling when asked to assist with coaching, 6 new records were achieved. Between official duties, there was time to sit, relax and enjoy some great lifting. Andrew Seaber of Great Britain proved age wasn't a barrier, snatching 100kg, clean & jerking 113, cat M5, bw 69. The greatest applause went to the meet director when he became the second lifter to do the magic 100 snatch. There was lots of wine and dancing that night.
The closing dinner was a chance to mingle and say goodbye. The Russians were not allowing me to escape the vodka shots. Much clapping as Les and I swallowed. I managed to slip outside after 1. There, the workers for the meet were in a circle enjoying their customary sharing of a cigar. Wanting to display how much they had enjoyed having me I was passed the cigar and put in the centre, where there was no way I could leave without having a puff.
Language, political beliefs, religion were set aside as all Masters became part of the weightlifting family. Les and I feel very fortunate to have been part of these championships. We will both take what we have learned and share it with others, in our home countries as well as abroad. I am looking forward to the continuing growth of Masters Weightlifting.
Coral Quinell (Australia)
Championship Report
If 2006 Heinsheim was good then 2011 Heinsheim had to perfect. After Coral Quinell's report above there is not too much more I can say.
Martina Dosquet and husband Ralf Fein with virtually the same organising committee as 2006 organised the perfect Masters championship. Once more a great opening ceremony, a great closing ceremony, and in between 8 days of very good Masters weightlifting. Once more the Thursday and Friday days of competition meant that more tables and chairs had to be set up to accommodate the many weightlifting enthusiasts who filled the venue to capacity to cheer on their home grown lifters representing the club and the town. Nothing was too much trouble for this organising committee as every request was dealt with easily and with a smile.
Martina was initiated into the European Women's Hall of Fame on the basis of a recommendation by the European Masters Committee for her excellent organisation of two European Masters Championships. It was impossible to do this for Ralf also and for all the organising committee but they all knew it was for them and for Heinsheim as much as it was for Martina.
Many European and World Masters records were broken and on Wednesday's "Women's Day" the women set a record number of World and European Masters records. Three other women also went into the Hall of Fame - Sandra Smith (GBR), Ute Hehl (GER), and Jitka Stolfova (CZE).
The social aspect of this championship surpassed by far any previous championship (including 2006) and I am sure many new friendships were forged alongside the many that were renewed.
For those who would like photographs from the championship visit -
www.photo-group-heilbronn.de
Bulletin 10 - 7th May 2011
In 21 days the 2011 European Masters Weightlifting Championship will begin with 609 competitors from almost every country in Europe.
The championship will take place in Heinsheim, Germany, who also organised the 2006 European Masters Weightlifting Championship which was a great success. European Masters weightlifting will be expecting a repeat of the 2006 success and I think that not only will it happen but every effort will be made to make the 2011 championship even more successful and more enjoyable for the athletes, officials, and everyone who visits Heinsheim for this championship.
The Heinsheim Organising Committee and the European Masters W/L Committee are in contact from the moment the bid for the championship is made and won, up until the start of the championship. The cooperation for this championship has been exactly the same as it was for 2006 and this is a tribute to Martina Dosquet and Ralf Fein and their Committee who will strive to improve on 2006 when an exact repeat is perfectly acceptable. It is worth a mention that Ralf and his brother Oli were winners at the recent German Masters Championship and the club team placed third, an indication of how much they love the sport and how keen they are to succeed on the platform and in their organisation.
Please come prepared to enjoy yourself and enjoy the championship. Remember always that when you have competed and your time on the platform is over, there is still enjoyment in meeting old friends and renewing friendships. European Masters Weightlifting epitomises the great social aspects of our championships as well as the fact that our athletes are some of the best in the world and our championships are always the equal of the IWF World Masters Championships.
Enjoy 2011 Heinsheim, lift well, and stay free from injury. Good luck to all the European Masters.
The championship will take place in Heinsheim, Germany, who also organised the 2006 European Masters Weightlifting Championship which was a great success. European Masters weightlifting will be expecting a repeat of the 2006 success and I think that not only will it happen but every effort will be made to make the 2011 championship even more successful and more enjoyable for the athletes, officials, and everyone who visits Heinsheim for this championship.
The Heinsheim Organising Committee and the European Masters W/L Committee are in contact from the moment the bid for the championship is made and won, up until the start of the championship. The cooperation for this championship has been exactly the same as it was for 2006 and this is a tribute to Martina Dosquet and Ralf Fein and their Committee who will strive to improve on 2006 when an exact repeat is perfectly acceptable. It is worth a mention that Ralf and his brother Oli were winners at the recent German Masters Championship and the club team placed third, an indication of how much they love the sport and how keen they are to succeed on the platform and in their organisation.
Please come prepared to enjoy yourself and enjoy the championship. Remember always that when you have competed and your time on the platform is over, there is still enjoyment in meeting old friends and renewing friendships. European Masters Weightlifting epitomises the great social aspects of our championships as well as the fact that our athletes are some of the best in the world and our championships are always the equal of the IWF World Masters Championships.
Enjoy 2011 Heinsheim, lift well, and stay free from injury. Good luck to all the European Masters.
Bulletin 9 - 7th February 2011
Please continue to look through and read the other previous bulletins below, they are still important and do contain relevant information relating to European Masters issues and also issues relating the IWF Masters. With no less than 6 Europeans serving on the IWF Masters Executive Board, the European influence is strong, but that's all it is, strong. The people concerned serve only in the best interests of Masters weightlifting and bring their passion for Masters weightlifting to all championships.
One area where the European influence has been very important to the IWF Masters is on finance. Without going in to great detail the financial situation of the IWF Masters was, to put it mildly, dire. At the start of 2010 the IWF Masters had no money and no bank account and a set of financial accounts from the previous two years that can only be described as creative. At the end of 2010, and for the first time in its history, the IWF Masters has a new bank account containing a healthy amount of Euros and a set of accurate Management Accounts for Oct. to Dec. 2010 supported by a bank statement.
The only drawback to 2010 is that the balance of the funds from the 2010 IWF Masters Championship in Ciechanow, Poland, has not yet been paid into the IWF Masters Account by the championship organiser Jerzy Zalejko. This amount is considerable, although, as the results of doping control were sent out by the laboratory in Warsaw, it is almost certain the doping control invoice has been paid by the championship organiser. Therefore the amount outstanding in Euros will be considerably less. Jerzy Zalejko is a good friend of the Masters, it is more than probable that there is a good reason why the money is still outstanding, and it is hoped that the money will be paid at a future date.
All the National Masters Chairmen across the globe of Masters weightlifting have been emailed a copy of the IWF Masters Management Accounts for Oct. - Dec. 2010 and will be soon emailed a copy of the current bank statement to support the accounts. If any National Masters Chairman has not received any of this information please contact Bill Barton by email and this will resolved. For the final three financial quarters of 2010–2011 the Management Accounts will be updated and emailed to everyone.
From now on, both the European Masters Committee and the IWF Masters Committee will be under scrutiny, but following a stringent policy of transparency confidence in the financial future and the weightlifting future of Masters weightlifting will go from strength to strength.
The European Masters Committee now have a very strong and a very good relationship with the EWF through its President, Antonio Urso, and its General Secretary, Marino Casadei. There is no interference in Masters affairs by the EWF, only offers of friendship and help, and the European Masters Committee is very appreciative of this. Why not visit the newly updated EWF website at www.ewf.sm for the latest EWF news, editorial, and magazine?
Please do keep visiting this website for regular updates, even checking bulletins you may have read before but which may also contain updates.
One area where the European influence has been very important to the IWF Masters is on finance. Without going in to great detail the financial situation of the IWF Masters was, to put it mildly, dire. At the start of 2010 the IWF Masters had no money and no bank account and a set of financial accounts from the previous two years that can only be described as creative. At the end of 2010, and for the first time in its history, the IWF Masters has a new bank account containing a healthy amount of Euros and a set of accurate Management Accounts for Oct. to Dec. 2010 supported by a bank statement.
The only drawback to 2010 is that the balance of the funds from the 2010 IWF Masters Championship in Ciechanow, Poland, has not yet been paid into the IWF Masters Account by the championship organiser Jerzy Zalejko. This amount is considerable, although, as the results of doping control were sent out by the laboratory in Warsaw, it is almost certain the doping control invoice has been paid by the championship organiser. Therefore the amount outstanding in Euros will be considerably less. Jerzy Zalejko is a good friend of the Masters, it is more than probable that there is a good reason why the money is still outstanding, and it is hoped that the money will be paid at a future date.
All the National Masters Chairmen across the globe of Masters weightlifting have been emailed a copy of the IWF Masters Management Accounts for Oct. - Dec. 2010 and will be soon emailed a copy of the current bank statement to support the accounts. If any National Masters Chairman has not received any of this information please contact Bill Barton by email and this will resolved. For the final three financial quarters of 2010–2011 the Management Accounts will be updated and emailed to everyone.
From now on, both the European Masters Committee and the IWF Masters Committee will be under scrutiny, but following a stringent policy of transparency confidence in the financial future and the weightlifting future of Masters weightlifting will go from strength to strength.
The European Masters Committee now have a very strong and a very good relationship with the EWF through its President, Antonio Urso, and its General Secretary, Marino Casadei. There is no interference in Masters affairs by the EWF, only offers of friendship and help, and the European Masters Committee is very appreciative of this. Why not visit the newly updated EWF website at www.ewf.sm for the latest EWF news, editorial, and magazine?
Please do keep visiting this website for regular updates, even checking bulletins you may have read before but which may also contain updates.
Bulletin 8 - 13th January 2011
Many of you who visit this website, especially those of you read Bulletin 7 below will know by now that the 2011 IWF World Masters Championship will be in Cyprus and not Canada. Both USA and Cyprus expressed their interest in taking over the championship from Canada. Both countries also made a bid in Kefalonia 2008 for the 2012 World Masters, Cyprus withdrew their bid to support Ukraine, and Ukraine went on to win the bid for 2012.
The decision on a new host for 2011 had to be made quickly and the decision was made by the IWF Masters Committee voting on the two countries USA and Cyprus, the outcome is now known. A special thank you to Howard Cohen (USA Masters Chairman) for offering to take on this championship, and thank you and congratulations to Damianos Hadjidamianou, the President of the Cyprus Weightlifting Federation for also offering and for winning the bid.
It is certain, no one will be disappointed with Cyprus and the organisation will be first class.
At the end of May and start of June the European Masters W/L Championship will be in Bad Rappenau, Heinsheim, Germany. The same venue and the same organisers who did a truly excellent job in organising the same championship in 2006. Anyone who was there in 2006 will surely want a return visit to this excellent venue. In 2006 the hall was filled every day with spectators and on the Friday it was so packed the organisers had to put more tables and seating in the hall for an audience that really enjoyed some great lifting. Food was served every day, all day, and to suit everyone, and drinks from water to beverages to beer and wine. It was a good championship and a memorable social occasion.
In September there is a first European Masters Games (EMG) which will also embrace a weightlifting tournament. Currently the EMG website is showing an example of their Competition Schedule but it has to be said that it is not feasible to run a Masters weightlifting championship in that format. The weightlifting championship is not in Lignorno, it is 40 km distance away and there is no information on accommodation in Lignorno or near the venue, or how to get from Lignorno to the venue. The European Masters Committee is eager to cooperate with the EMG Organisation and help run the championship but getting information has, so far, not been an easy task.
The first priority and commitment of the European Masters Committee is to the IWF World Masters Championship in Cyprus.
The decision on a new host for 2011 had to be made quickly and the decision was made by the IWF Masters Committee voting on the two countries USA and Cyprus, the outcome is now known. A special thank you to Howard Cohen (USA Masters Chairman) for offering to take on this championship, and thank you and congratulations to Damianos Hadjidamianou, the President of the Cyprus Weightlifting Federation for also offering and for winning the bid.
It is certain, no one will be disappointed with Cyprus and the organisation will be first class.
At the end of May and start of June the European Masters W/L Championship will be in Bad Rappenau, Heinsheim, Germany. The same venue and the same organisers who did a truly excellent job in organising the same championship in 2006. Anyone who was there in 2006 will surely want a return visit to this excellent venue. In 2006 the hall was filled every day with spectators and on the Friday it was so packed the organisers had to put more tables and seating in the hall for an audience that really enjoyed some great lifting. Food was served every day, all day, and to suit everyone, and drinks from water to beverages to beer and wine. It was a good championship and a memorable social occasion.
In September there is a first European Masters Games (EMG) which will also embrace a weightlifting tournament. Currently the EMG website is showing an example of their Competition Schedule but it has to be said that it is not feasible to run a Masters weightlifting championship in that format. The weightlifting championship is not in Lignorno, it is 40 km distance away and there is no information on accommodation in Lignorno or near the venue, or how to get from Lignorno to the venue. The European Masters Committee is eager to cooperate with the EMG Organisation and help run the championship but getting information has, so far, not been an easy task.
The first priority and commitment of the European Masters Committee is to the IWF World Masters Championship in Cyprus.
Bulletin 7 - 14th December 2010
2010 IWF WORLD MASTERS WEIGHTLIFTING CHAMPIONSHIP, MONTREAL, CANADA
Today at 7.45 p.m. (GMT) the following email arrived from John Margolis, "head of the organising committee for the above championship".
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Dear Bill,
For a variety of reasons, the Montreal organizing committee is withdrawing as host for the 2011 World Masters Weightlifting Championship. I thank you for your ongoing support, interest and collegiality.
Yours,
John Margolis
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Please understand that this does not mean that there will be no 2010 IWF World Masters Championship. What it does mean is -
1. It will not be in Canada.
2. The IWF Masters Committee will work hard to find a new venue as soon as possible and keep all Masters informed.
3. The current dates for Montreal will probably change and new dates will be part of any new information.
4. The entry fee will not change.
5. The championship will stillbe run over 8 days.
6. This information needs to be relayed to all your friends and fellow Masters everywhere.
As soon as a new venue is confirmed the entry form will be completed and available on all Masters websites. Be sure that the IWF Masters Committee will find a new venue and you will not be disappointed.In recent weeks I have sent several emails to John Margolis in an effort to get the entry form completed and available for distribution. The above email is the first reply received and a very disappointing one too. Although this is the first time any organiser has backed out of an IWF World Masters Championship it may be for the best as another email from Canada, and received earlier today, stated that the Montreal Organising Committee is inactive.The IWF Masters Committee is not inactive and will report as soon as possible on further developments. Keep checking this website for more information.
Bulletin by -
Bill Barton acting in his capacity as IWF Masters General Secretary
Today at 7.45 p.m. (GMT) the following email arrived from John Margolis, "head of the organising committee for the above championship".
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Dear Bill,
For a variety of reasons, the Montreal organizing committee is withdrawing as host for the 2011 World Masters Weightlifting Championship. I thank you for your ongoing support, interest and collegiality.
Yours,
John Margolis
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Please understand that this does not mean that there will be no 2010 IWF World Masters Championship. What it does mean is -
1. It will not be in Canada.
2. The IWF Masters Committee will work hard to find a new venue as soon as possible and keep all Masters informed.
3. The current dates for Montreal will probably change and new dates will be part of any new information.
4. The entry fee will not change.
5. The championship will stillbe run over 8 days.
6. This information needs to be relayed to all your friends and fellow Masters everywhere.
As soon as a new venue is confirmed the entry form will be completed and available on all Masters websites. Be sure that the IWF Masters Committee will find a new venue and you will not be disappointed.In recent weeks I have sent several emails to John Margolis in an effort to get the entry form completed and available for distribution. The above email is the first reply received and a very disappointing one too. Although this is the first time any organiser has backed out of an IWF World Masters Championship it may be for the best as another email from Canada, and received earlier today, stated that the Montreal Organising Committee is inactive.The IWF Masters Committee is not inactive and will report as soon as possible on further developments. Keep checking this website for more information.
Bulletin by -
Bill Barton acting in his capacity as IWF Masters General Secretary
Bulletin 6 - 8th December 2010
I have returned from attending the 2010 EWW Junior & Under 23 Championship in Cyprus. As well as an opportunity to attend an International Weightling Championship and see some top quality weightlifting, it was also an opportunity for me to meet personally and for the first time, the President of the EWF, Antonio Urso.
It was also an opportunity to meet again Damianos Hadjidamianos, the President of the Cyprus W/L Federation and a good friend, and finally to meet again and talk to the EWF General Secretary Marino Casedei.
With me at the meeting with Antonio Urso was Denise Offermann, the European Masters General Secretary. The relationship between the EWF and the European Masters was discussed and Mr. Urso made assurances that the EWF recognise and support the European Masters Weightlifting Committee and of course European Masters Weightlifting Championships. The President also made an immediate telephone call to Italy, in our presence, to enable more information on the 2010 EMG in Lignorno to be sent to me immediately. All this information now appears on this website. It was made quite clear that the first obligation is to the 2011 IWF World Masters Weightlifting Championship in Montreal, Canada, and the 2011 EMG follows less than a week later. Nevertheless, the President wants the help of the European Masters weightlifting Committee with the organisation of the Games weightlifting.
So far there is no information available regarding the 2013 WMG in Turin, Italy, and the President stated clearly that no weightlifting can take place in Italy without the sanction of the Italian Weightlifting Federation and to date he has had no approach from the WMG.
Other relevant Masters matters were discussed and it is hoped that this information will appear on this website in a future bulletin.
Bill Barton
Chairman - European Masters Committee
It was also an opportunity to meet again Damianos Hadjidamianos, the President of the Cyprus W/L Federation and a good friend, and finally to meet again and talk to the EWF General Secretary Marino Casedei.
With me at the meeting with Antonio Urso was Denise Offermann, the European Masters General Secretary. The relationship between the EWF and the European Masters was discussed and Mr. Urso made assurances that the EWF recognise and support the European Masters Weightlifting Committee and of course European Masters Weightlifting Championships. The President also made an immediate telephone call to Italy, in our presence, to enable more information on the 2010 EMG in Lignorno to be sent to me immediately. All this information now appears on this website. It was made quite clear that the first obligation is to the 2011 IWF World Masters Weightlifting Championship in Montreal, Canada, and the 2011 EMG follows less than a week later. Nevertheless, the President wants the help of the European Masters weightlifting Committee with the organisation of the Games weightlifting.
So far there is no information available regarding the 2013 WMG in Turin, Italy, and the President stated clearly that no weightlifting can take place in Italy without the sanction of the Italian Weightlifting Federation and to date he has had no approach from the WMG.
Other relevant Masters matters were discussed and it is hoped that this information will appear on this website in a future bulletin.
Bill Barton
Chairman - European Masters Committee
Bulletin 5 - 22nd October 2010
The Ukraine Masters Chairman, Vladslav Lysenko, is organising the 2010 Open Masters Weightlifting Cup in Lviv, Ukraine, 16th - 19th December.
Lviv will be the host city for the 2012 IWF World Masters Weightlifting Championship and this is a great opportunity to visit Lviv in advance, get to know the city, see what's in store for 2012, and compete again in a Masters championship.
The championship has the support of the Ukraine Ministry for Family, Youth, and Sports, and Lviv will be co- hosting the European Football Championship Cup in 2012 with Poznan, Poland, and the city has undergone a massive program of building to prepare for the visit of football supporters from all over Europe. There is a new airport, a new railway station, and a new road infrastructure.
You do not need to apply or pay for a visa. Upon arrival at the airport you will find small, short, forms available to fill and take with your passport to "passport control" where they will simply stamp your passport.
IF YOU HAVE THE TIME AND YOU CAN AFFORD TO TRAVEL, WHY NOT GIVE IT A TRY?
See the entry form page for the form for this competition and print it off.
Lviv will be the host city for the 2012 IWF World Masters Weightlifting Championship and this is a great opportunity to visit Lviv in advance, get to know the city, see what's in store for 2012, and compete again in a Masters championship.
The championship has the support of the Ukraine Ministry for Family, Youth, and Sports, and Lviv will be co- hosting the European Football Championship Cup in 2012 with Poznan, Poland, and the city has undergone a massive program of building to prepare for the visit of football supporters from all over Europe. There is a new airport, a new railway station, and a new road infrastructure.
You do not need to apply or pay for a visa. Upon arrival at the airport you will find small, short, forms available to fill and take with your passport to "passport control" where they will simply stamp your passport.
IF YOU HAVE THE TIME AND YOU CAN AFFORD TO TRAVEL, WHY NOT GIVE IT A TRY?
See the entry form page for the form for this competition and print it off.
Bulletin 4 - 4th October 2010
Many of you visiting this website will have viewed the 2010 IWF World Masters Championship in Ciechanow, Poland, live on the internet. This great idea from the Organiser, Jerzy Zalejko, was the first time (I believe) that this has been done for an International Masters Weightlifting Championship and not only was it done very successfully and professionally, but he has set a high standard for future championships to follow. The question now is, will they?
In no time at all competitors and officials were receiving phone calls and text messages from home telling them that they had been seen live on the internet as the camera recorded not only the weightlifting, but backstage in the warm up areas, and out front the audience and officials.
The championship ran very smooth right from the very start and without the slightest interruption. Out of 35 sessions of weightlifting, only 3 or 4 sessions were running late and even then time was made up to start the next session on time or only a few minutes late. With 500 entries for this championship it must be regarded as a fine achievement and an acknowledgement of the excellent cooperation between the Organising Committee and the IWF Masters Committee.
The championship was conducted in a very friendly and relaxed atmosphere and whilst there was never a "packed house" almost every session was well attended, watched, and supported by good sized audiences who feel passionate about Masters weightlifting. There was some very good lifting performances throughout the eight (8) days of the competition. The Women's sessions were great to watch with some good lifting, records being broken, and above all wonderful camaraderie displayed at the end of every one of their sessions - well done! In the very last session of the championship in the men's age group M35 and body weight category 105+ there was a world record snatch of 172 kg and it was the heaviest snatch recorded ever by a Masters weightlifter - the lifter was Vladimir Sushchak of Russia.
The Closing Banquet was also very special. Very nicely prepared with good food and lots of it, and good value for money. It will be an unusual event when a Closing Banquet in Europe is not successful and enjoyable.
In no time at all competitors and officials were receiving phone calls and text messages from home telling them that they had been seen live on the internet as the camera recorded not only the weightlifting, but backstage in the warm up areas, and out front the audience and officials.
The championship ran very smooth right from the very start and without the slightest interruption. Out of 35 sessions of weightlifting, only 3 or 4 sessions were running late and even then time was made up to start the next session on time or only a few minutes late. With 500 entries for this championship it must be regarded as a fine achievement and an acknowledgement of the excellent cooperation between the Organising Committee and the IWF Masters Committee.
The championship was conducted in a very friendly and relaxed atmosphere and whilst there was never a "packed house" almost every session was well attended, watched, and supported by good sized audiences who feel passionate about Masters weightlifting. There was some very good lifting performances throughout the eight (8) days of the competition. The Women's sessions were great to watch with some good lifting, records being broken, and above all wonderful camaraderie displayed at the end of every one of their sessions - well done! In the very last session of the championship in the men's age group M35 and body weight category 105+ there was a world record snatch of 172 kg and it was the heaviest snatch recorded ever by a Masters weightlifter - the lifter was Vladimir Sushchak of Russia.
The Closing Banquet was also very special. Very nicely prepared with good food and lots of it, and good value for money. It will be an unusual event when a Closing Banquet in Europe is not successful and enjoyable.
Bulletin 3 - 11th September 2010
The 18th September is the first day of the competition at the IWF World Masters Championship in Ciechanow, Poland, I am certain that many of the competitors from all over the world who have entered this championship will be getting very excited. With an entry list of 500 competitors lifting over 8 days this is a record entry for an IWF World Masters Championship. As well as all the European countries there will be competitors from far away places like Australia, New Zealand, Mongolia, USA, Canada, Argentina, Puerto Rica, and in total over 40 nations.
The organiser is Jerzy Zalejko and he is no stranger to organising International Masters Weightlifting as this will be is second World Masters (the first was 1997 Koszalin) to add to two European Masters in Mielno and Kolobrzeg. As organiser I know that Jerzy will put a lot of trust in his Organising Committee because he will also be competing and hoping to add yet another gold medal to his collection which holds a gold a medal from the European Masters Championship held in Linz, Austria, in May of this year. He is also on top form and he told me he is hoping to make over 400 SMM Points in Ciechanow and who would bet against him? Jerzy is also on the verge of induction into the European Masters Hall of Fame.
As I will be at this championship and working throughout the eight days of the competition it is unlikely I will find the time to post the results, as they happen, to this website. The full championship results will be posted immediately I return, also look out for another bulletin and a report on the championship. During the championship results will be posted to the championship website and to others.
Don't forget to return and visit this website for continuous update of these bulletins as well as results and other page updates.
Bulletin 2 - 30th August 2010
Although Bulletin 1 was actually done back in July this new website and domain name was only published today, the 30th August 2010.
This website replaces - www.euromasters-wl.co.ok - the previous official website for the European Masters Weightlifting Committee whose members are featured (with contact details) on the Home Page. You can be assured that this website will be kept up to date and you will be able to read regular and new bulletins all relating to Masters weightlifting events.
For those of you who have strong opinions about Masters weightlifting please feel free to write your opinions to the EMC and see your opinions printed on this website. Keep your opinions free of libel (defamation), do not use bad language, always write in English, and if you keep your opinions relevant they will be printed. If you think you have a story to tell that is funny or serious and will be of interest to other Masters please write and send.
If you feel the website is missing a relevant information page, again, please let us know, a new page can be set up and inserted quickly.
I hope you enjoy you visit to this website and you have found something on the website that is of interest or help yo you.
Why not contact us and give your opinion?
This website replaces - www.euromasters-wl.co.ok - the previous official website for the European Masters Weightlifting Committee whose members are featured (with contact details) on the Home Page. You can be assured that this website will be kept up to date and you will be able to read regular and new bulletins all relating to Masters weightlifting events.
For those of you who have strong opinions about Masters weightlifting please feel free to write your opinions to the EMC and see your opinions printed on this website. Keep your opinions free of libel (defamation), do not use bad language, always write in English, and if you keep your opinions relevant they will be printed. If you think you have a story to tell that is funny or serious and will be of interest to other Masters please write and send.
If you feel the website is missing a relevant information page, again, please let us know, a new page can be set up and inserted quickly.
I hope you enjoy you visit to this website and you have found something on the website that is of interest or help yo you.
Why not contact us and give your opinion?
Bulletin 1 - 28th July 2010
This website is just a simple website to enable the European Masters Committee to display information that will help all Master weightlifters. It is mainly aimed at the European Masters but if anyone visiting this website is helped in any way, then it will be an additional benefit.
It is easy to upload information to this website and one idea is to publish regular "bulletins" or "newsletters" to keep Masters informed, particularly if there is something of extreme importance, e.g a change of championship venue, a new IWF technical rule. All visitors need to do is to log on to this website whenever they feel inclined and check for anything new.
The Calendar will be updated every time we have a championship bid voted for and accepted by World or European Congress. As much information as possible will be given for every championship.
Please note that there is also a photograph gallery and if you have a weightlifting photograph you would like to see published to this gallery please send it as an email attachment and it will be uploaded within a reasonable time scale.
If you have ideas on how you would like to see Masters championships improved please send us your ideas. If you want to criticise or praise, please tell us, we will reproduce your words in our bulletin.
Within this website there are a number of helpful documents you can view and download, simply click on "Download File" on the appropriate page to display and print file, when you have finished with the file, click on the arrow pointing left and at the top of the screen, it will return to the website page -
The ENTRY FORM for the next championship (2011)
European Congress Agendas and Previous Congress Minutes.
Hall of Fame Lists for Men and Women (last updated with results from 2010 Linz).
The Masters Rulebook (*** Note - this is the 2010 Draft Rulebook to be put to 2010 IWF World Masters.
Congress in Ciechanow, Poland, for acceptance.
TUE Form for the Current Year
New bulletins will be added periodically and new pages may be inserted in the website whilst existing pages will be also be regularly updated.
PLEASE CONTINUE TO VISIT THIS NEW WEIGHTLIFTING WEBSITE
It is easy to upload information to this website and one idea is to publish regular "bulletins" or "newsletters" to keep Masters informed, particularly if there is something of extreme importance, e.g a change of championship venue, a new IWF technical rule. All visitors need to do is to log on to this website whenever they feel inclined and check for anything new.
The Calendar will be updated every time we have a championship bid voted for and accepted by World or European Congress. As much information as possible will be given for every championship.
Please note that there is also a photograph gallery and if you have a weightlifting photograph you would like to see published to this gallery please send it as an email attachment and it will be uploaded within a reasonable time scale.
If you have ideas on how you would like to see Masters championships improved please send us your ideas. If you want to criticise or praise, please tell us, we will reproduce your words in our bulletin.
Within this website there are a number of helpful documents you can view and download, simply click on "Download File" on the appropriate page to display and print file, when you have finished with the file, click on the arrow pointing left and at the top of the screen, it will return to the website page -
The ENTRY FORM for the next championship (2011)
European Congress Agendas and Previous Congress Minutes.
Hall of Fame Lists for Men and Women (last updated with results from 2010 Linz).
The Masters Rulebook (*** Note - this is the 2010 Draft Rulebook to be put to 2010 IWF World Masters.
Congress in Ciechanow, Poland, for acceptance.
TUE Form for the Current Year
New bulletins will be added periodically and new pages may be inserted in the website whilst existing pages will be also be regularly updated.
PLEASE CONTINUE TO VISIT THIS NEW WEIGHTLIFTING WEBSITE
