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Bulletin 27 - JULY 2017
The 2017 ELEIKO European Masters and International Masters Open Weightlifting Championship
(To be run according to the IWF Masters 2017 Rulebook)
11th - 19th August 2017
at the new Eleiko HQ
Skackelvägen 1
Halmstad, Sweden
Nässjögatan 6. See no 3 at the map
CrossFit Halmstad is a 450 m2 training facility, certified by Eleiko.
Open daily 09.00 – 16.00
Free admission to this facility when showing the accreditation card. A leaflet will be given to
every participant at accreditation with information about the championship, Halmstad, a map showing hotels/bus stops/training facilities/sightseeing, etc., also some favourable offers from
restaurants and shops in Halmstad.
3. Crossfit SVEA.
Stationsgatan 52. See no 2 at the map.
Training facility, 180 m2, with Eleiko training equipment.
Open daily 09.00 – 16.00
ww.crossfitsvea.se
The 2017 ELEIKO European Masters and International Masters Open Weightlifting Championship
(To be run according to the IWF Masters 2017 Rulebook)
11th - 19th August 2017
at the new Eleiko HQ
Skackelvägen 1
Halmstad, Sweden
- This event is open to all Masters in accordance with the 2016 Masters Rulebook.
- There will be two medals as it is a combined event, one medal for the European Masters championship and a second medal for the International Masters Open.
- Only competitors from a European country can win a medal in the European Masters Championship.
- Doping control will be present at this championship in accordance with all IWF Masters and European Masters Championships.
- Eleiko will provide all the awards for the "best lifters in each age group" and also the two Grand Masters awards for overall best lifter men and women.
- Eleiko are building a Sports Complex which will be used for strength training and education programs and will be large enough to host weightlifting championships. There will also be a conference hall and meeting rooms. Eleiko will provide the championship platform and equipment and 6 fully equipped competition platforms.
- The sports complex will be officially opened in May 2017 and ready some time after that.
- *** LATEST NEWS ***
The IWF Masters have set up a new FACEBOOK PAGE under the name: IWF MASTERS COMPETITION to enable us to stream the championship LIVE from the new Eleiko HQ venue. This is something new for us, we have purchased the special camera necessary to catch and stream the championship and with a little help from Eleiko we hope to bring the championship to everyone live and uninterrupted. The IWF Masters have posted the Competition Schedule and the Start Lists to Facebook via a direct link to this website.
All sessions will be life transmitted from Saturday 12 throughout Saturday 19 August 2017.
*** *** *** *** *** *** - Eleiko will organise visits twice daily to their workshops, there you can see the bars being tested and made.
- Note change in training facilities (AS OF 10th JUNE) -
- Training during the days of the championship will be as below.
- 1. The "old" Eleiko HQ will not now be open for the reasons below.
- 2. CROSSFIT Halmstad which is a 450 m2 training facility, certified by Eleiko.
Nässjögatan 6. See no 3 at the map
CrossFit Halmstad is a 450 m2 training facility, certified by Eleiko.
Open daily 09.00 – 16.00
Free admission to this facility when showing the accreditation card. A leaflet will be given to
every participant at accreditation with information about the championship, Halmstad, a map showing hotels/bus stops/training facilities/sightseeing, etc., also some favourable offers from
restaurants and shops in Halmstad.
3. Crossfit SVEA.
Stationsgatan 52. See no 2 at the map.
Training facility, 180 m2, with Eleiko training equipment.
Open daily 09.00 – 16.00
ww.crossfitsvea.se
- Halmstad is on the coast and a good place to spend a holiday with family or friends.
- There are many hotels in Halmstad and only a short bus ride from the Eleiko venue, also many holiday homes of various sizes on the coast which can be rented.
- All the hotels are within 500 metres of each other and close to the railway station. There are regular buses from Halmstad which only take about 18 minutes and stop approximately 200 metres from the Eleiko HQ.
- ACCREDITATION ON THE FIRST DAY WILL BE AT THE SCANDIC HALLANDIA HOTEL AND AFTER THAT AT THE VENUE.
- LATEST INFORMATION (10th May) FOR THOSE TRAVELLING TO HALMSTAD VIA COPENHAGEN. ID checks in Denmark and border control in Sweden
Border control
The ID control, introduced by the Swedish government in 2016 in order to control the unreasonably large immigration to Sweden, has now been abolished. This means that on Kastrup airport it is no longer mandatory to display a valid ID or passport to board trains or buses to Sweden.
However, border checks continue and all cars, trains and buses stop at the border and ALL passengers are checked and must be able to present valid passport and in some cases visas.
Information on the countries where a visa is required can be found at - - www.migrationsverket.s
- REGISTRATION CLOSED THURSDAY - 15th JUNE
Bulletin 26 - JANUARY 2015
On Tues. 20th January the penultimate Organising Committee meeting was held at Bangor University. The cooperation between the University and the European Masters Committee has been outstanding and as far as the actual championship is concerned everything is in place to make it a great championship to be a part of.
Over the years some Masters championships have failed on specific requirements but everyone can be assured that every effort has been made to eliminate this kind of thing happening at 2015 Bangor.
* All new Eleiko equipment will be used for the competition and in the warm up.
* Six (6) warm up platforms, 6 full sets of Eleiko discs (including small), 6 bars (men's and
women's).
* Fully equipped training room for use during the period of the championship.
* Competition scales, test scales men, test scales women - three (3) sets.
* Full size 5 kg and 2.5 kg discs on the platform and in the warm up. At the moment these
number 8 x 5 kg (4 pairs) and 4 x 2.5 kg (2 pairs) in the possession of the EMC but there will
be more available for the championship.
* There will be a room provided for the officials to use with tea and coffee provided.
As mentioned in a previous bulletin there are a number of single student's rooms available to visitors, i.e. competitors. These rooms are more than adequate, the members of the EMC (European Masters Committee) will be staying in this accommodation. The number of rooms available is limited so please consider booking early with Bangor University to avoid disappointment. Accommodation details can be found on a sub-page under the entry form page.
Visitors, athletes, and officials should be able to find suitable accommodation on the sub-page mentioned above. There is enough accommodation available in Bangor for all competitors.
See picture (below) of Snowdonia taken from an upstairs window in the Sports Centre just after the meeting.
SPECIAL BULLETIN 25 (NOVEMBER 2014)
2015 EUROPEAN MASTERS - BANGOR UNIVERSITY
Bulletin 24 - APRIL 2014
An apology is due to visitors to this website as it is sometime since the last bulletin was produced. Perhaps 2014 was a hectic year with the European Masters Championship in May, the WMG Torino in August and then the Masters World Cup in Penang in November; with a record 600 entries at the 2013 WMG Torino it was certainly exhausting. Great memories of the championship which ended with what was probably the best Closing Banquet ever at a Masters Championship - great atmosphere, wonderful Italian food, and the most friendly atmosphere imaginable.
In May the European Masters Championship is in Kazincbarcika, Hungary, organised by Geza Patrovics and his son Attila who also organised the 1999 European Masters and the 2007 World Masters in the same town. Previous championships were well organised and I expect no less in 2014 because Geza and Attila will certainly take good care of their visiting Masters and ensure (as usual) that in addition to good weightlifting there will also be good hospitality. The town of Kazincbarcika also offers many good restaurants and hotels at favourable prices.
There is no doubt that the financial problems throughout the world, and certainly in Europe, has affected Masters championships and will continue to do so. The travelling Master weightlifters all pay their own travel and accommodation costs in addition to the entry fee and in the case of some championships this will affect the number of entries. Just as important is finding organisers who are prepared to bid for Masters championships and do all the hard work of providing suitable venues and equipment as well as providing "an area for socialising" which is also something the Masters look forward to.
Next year in 2015 the European Masters is in June and the venue will be Bangor University in North Wales, United Kingdom. I have already had comprehensive meetings with the university and have another two meetings planned for this year, the first at the beginning of May. I can assure you that a lot of effort will be put into this championship to ensure that no one is disappointed. More information will be published to this website as 2014 progresses. Looking forward to 2015 I will be welcoming you all to the UK and to Bangor which is a small but beautiful city on the North West coast of Wales and is surrounded by some of the most beautiful and scenic countryside.
An apology is due to visitors to this website as it is sometime since the last bulletin was produced. Perhaps 2014 was a hectic year with the European Masters Championship in May, the WMG Torino in August and then the Masters World Cup in Penang in November; with a record 600 entries at the 2013 WMG Torino it was certainly exhausting. Great memories of the championship which ended with what was probably the best Closing Banquet ever at a Masters Championship - great atmosphere, wonderful Italian food, and the most friendly atmosphere imaginable.
In May the European Masters Championship is in Kazincbarcika, Hungary, organised by Geza Patrovics and his son Attila who also organised the 1999 European Masters and the 2007 World Masters in the same town. Previous championships were well organised and I expect no less in 2014 because Geza and Attila will certainly take good care of their visiting Masters and ensure (as usual) that in addition to good weightlifting there will also be good hospitality. The town of Kazincbarcika also offers many good restaurants and hotels at favourable prices.
There is no doubt that the financial problems throughout the world, and certainly in Europe, has affected Masters championships and will continue to do so. The travelling Master weightlifters all pay their own travel and accommodation costs in addition to the entry fee and in the case of some championships this will affect the number of entries. Just as important is finding organisers who are prepared to bid for Masters championships and do all the hard work of providing suitable venues and equipment as well as providing "an area for socialising" which is also something the Masters look forward to.
Next year in 2015 the European Masters is in June and the venue will be Bangor University in North Wales, United Kingdom. I have already had comprehensive meetings with the university and have another two meetings planned for this year, the first at the beginning of May. I can assure you that a lot of effort will be put into this championship to ensure that no one is disappointed. More information will be published to this website as 2014 progresses. Looking forward to 2015 I will be welcoming you all to the UK and to Bangor which is a small but beautiful city on the North West coast of Wales and is surrounded by some of the most beautiful and scenic countryside.
Bulletin 23 - June 2013
Yet again one nation (which shall not be named) has been severely critical of a Masters championship and of the Chairman of the EMC (European Masters Committee).
* "The organisation was not good".
* "The venue was changed".
* "I would have thought Bill Barton would have sent out a global email".
The organiser was not good, the championship was actually organised by the EMC and it was good. See the "championship report page" for answers to the other two criticisms.
All National Masters Chairmen and all athletes should know that Bill Barton is a volunteer who gives his time freely for the Masters. Does anyone in their right minds think that for one moment he wanted this to happen or he made no attempt to try to inform everyone of "this last minute and stupid venue change"? The EMC did no know of the venue change, imposed by the Municipality, until their arrival in Kusadasi and by then many competitors were also in Kusadasi.
Remember also that at Congress the EMC members do not vote, it is the delegates of each country, usually National Masters Chairmen, who vote for the bids from countries who wish to organise a championship. The EMC goes to whichever country Congress votes for, regardless of where it is, this is called DEMOCRACY.
Many times different countries organise a European or a World Masters Championship where specific criticisms could have been applied. It is normal at European Masters Championships but it is very rare at a World Masters Championship for the organiser to have food in or outside the venue where competitors can eat and enjoy a beer together, in fact it has only happened 3 or 4 times and only when the championships have been in Europe. It has never happened at a WMG, it is a fact that at almost all WMG it was impossible to obtain any food or even a soft drink inside the venue.
This "critical nation" has criticised Tolyatti - Russia, Lankaran - Azerbaijan, Lviv - Ukraine, and now Kusadasi - Turkey. Instead of being critical and making comparisons with championships organised in their own country they should put the past behind them and be proud that they have the capability and correct environment to organise good championships. Sometimes it is better to look for the many good things about a championship and the many good things some people do to make championships good instead of continually creating ill feeling within the Masters.
There is no doubt that Masters weightlifting and championships has improved greatly from its early beginnings but occasionally it falters and having taken two steps forward it sometimes steps one pace back. In future when a nation bids for a championship certain assurances will be asked for and penalties may be applied when assurances are not met. Each nation wanting to organise a future championship must have a back up plan to ensure all stipulations are met and most certainly, a change of venue two days before the championship starts is totally unacceptable.
Yet again one nation (which shall not be named) has been severely critical of a Masters championship and of the Chairman of the EMC (European Masters Committee).
* "The organisation was not good".
* "The venue was changed".
* "I would have thought Bill Barton would have sent out a global email".
The organiser was not good, the championship was actually organised by the EMC and it was good. See the "championship report page" for answers to the other two criticisms.
All National Masters Chairmen and all athletes should know that Bill Barton is a volunteer who gives his time freely for the Masters. Does anyone in their right minds think that for one moment he wanted this to happen or he made no attempt to try to inform everyone of "this last minute and stupid venue change"? The EMC did no know of the venue change, imposed by the Municipality, until their arrival in Kusadasi and by then many competitors were also in Kusadasi.
Remember also that at Congress the EMC members do not vote, it is the delegates of each country, usually National Masters Chairmen, who vote for the bids from countries who wish to organise a championship. The EMC goes to whichever country Congress votes for, regardless of where it is, this is called DEMOCRACY.
Many times different countries organise a European or a World Masters Championship where specific criticisms could have been applied. It is normal at European Masters Championships but it is very rare at a World Masters Championship for the organiser to have food in or outside the venue where competitors can eat and enjoy a beer together, in fact it has only happened 3 or 4 times and only when the championships have been in Europe. It has never happened at a WMG, it is a fact that at almost all WMG it was impossible to obtain any food or even a soft drink inside the venue.
This "critical nation" has criticised Tolyatti - Russia, Lankaran - Azerbaijan, Lviv - Ukraine, and now Kusadasi - Turkey. Instead of being critical and making comparisons with championships organised in their own country they should put the past behind them and be proud that they have the capability and correct environment to organise good championships. Sometimes it is better to look for the many good things about a championship and the many good things some people do to make championships good instead of continually creating ill feeling within the Masters.
There is no doubt that Masters weightlifting and championships has improved greatly from its early beginnings but occasionally it falters and having taken two steps forward it sometimes steps one pace back. In future when a nation bids for a championship certain assurances will be asked for and penalties may be applied when assurances are not met. Each nation wanting to organise a future championship must have a back up plan to ensure all stipulations are met and most certainly, a change of venue two days before the championship starts is totally unacceptable.
Bulletin 22 - April 2013
2013 WMG Torino - Accommodation
The IWF Masters Committee is aware that booking accommodation on the WMG website is expensive.
You can get cheaper accommodation by booking with the IWF Masters Committee.
We have a man in Turin working for and with our committee who has our complete trust, his name is Walter Cerrato. All IWF Masters Committee members will stay in one of the hotels organised by him.
This special accommodation service is exclusively reserved for the IWF Masters
WMG participants
Send your request to him at - [email protected]
Include the following information - names and addresses of people requiring accommodation, dates of birth, country, number of nights stay required and dates.
The hotels will be near the airport.
Shuttle service can be provided between the hotel and the venue for a small fee.
DO NOT DELAY !
The IWF Masters Committee is aware that booking accommodation on the WMG website is expensive.
You can get cheaper accommodation by booking with the IWF Masters Committee.
We have a man in Turin working for and with our committee who has our complete trust, his name is Walter Cerrato. All IWF Masters Committee members will stay in one of the hotels organised by him.
This special accommodation service is exclusively reserved for the IWF Masters
WMG participants
Send your request to him at - [email protected]
Include the following information - names and addresses of people requiring accommodation, dates of birth, country, number of nights stay required and dates.
The hotels will be near the airport.
Shuttle service can be provided between the hotel and the venue for a small fee.
DO NOT DELAY !
Bulletin 21 - November 2012
The two report documents below hae been produced by Bill Barton and Denise Offermann after a visit to Kusadasi 16th-18th Nov. 2012 to meet with the organisers and finalise details.
Bulletin 20 - October 2012
Please note that the opinions in the bulletin below are those of Coral Quinell (AUS) and not the website manager.
Bulletin 19 - September 2012
2013 WMG Turin, Italy
2nd - 11th August 2013
The IWF Masters Committee have received an official invitation from the WMG Organising Committee to run the WMG Weightlifting Championship and the annual World Masters Championship in parallel at the 2013 WMG Turin.
This will be the first time the WMG has been organised in Europe since 1989 Aalborg, Denmark.
The World Masters Committee hope that all nations will support this event because we are going to try to make this the most memorable WMG ever. We have some great ideas which we hope to introduce for the 2013 WMG, Torino.
* At past WMG there has been a charge of $30 USD on top of the Games fee to cover the cost of anti-doping and IWF Masters Committee administration. This time in 2013 there will be no extra fees, competitors will only pay the WMG entry fee.
* The IWF Masters Committee are contemplating giving a second medal, this means medals for the WMG Championship and another medal for the World Masters Championship.
Visit the WMG website for all up to date information on the Games and in particular for details of how to register for the weightlifting -
www.torino2013wmg.org
Remember you got this information first on the European Masters Website. Please continue to visit this website for further information.
This will be the first time the WMG has been organised in Europe since 1989 Aalborg, Denmark.
The World Masters Committee hope that all nations will support this event because we are going to try to make this the most memorable WMG ever. We have some great ideas which we hope to introduce for the 2013 WMG, Torino.
* At past WMG there has been a charge of $30 USD on top of the Games fee to cover the cost of anti-doping and IWF Masters Committee administration. This time in 2013 there will be no extra fees, competitors will only pay the WMG entry fee.
* The IWF Masters Committee are contemplating giving a second medal, this means medals for the WMG Championship and another medal for the World Masters Championship.
Visit the WMG website for all up to date information on the Games and in particular for details of how to register for the weightlifting -
www.torino2013wmg.org
Remember you got this information first on the European Masters Website. Please continue to visit this website for further information.
Bulletin 18 - August 2012 (26/08/2012)
2013 WMG Turin, Italy
The IWF Masters Committee has been locked in negotiations with IMGA (International Masters Games Association) and it's Weightlifting Organising Committee (WOC) since November 2011 when IWF Masters General Secretary Bill Barton attended a meeting in Turin. The main obstacle is that, according to Italian law, no weightlifting event can be organised in Italy without the consent of FIPE (the Italian W/L Federation). The present situation is that the IWF Masters Committee is waiting for the IMGA or the IMGA-WOC to give a written invitation for the IWF Masters to organise and control the weightlifting.
The moment this happens all details will be published to this website.
If the IWF Masters do not receive this invitation it is certain that weightlifting will still be a part of the 2013 WMG Turin but the following ingredients will probably be missing.
* It will not be sanctioned by the IWF Masters Committee.
* There will be no 2012 World Masters Weightlifting Championship within the WMG.
* There will be no World Masters records and no WMG records.
* There will be no anthems played and no flags displayed at the medal ceremonies.
* The referees will not be 100% IWF CAT 1 and IWF CAT II.
* It is possible that individual results will have no Sinclair Malone Meltzer Points calculation.
* There will be no National Team Competition.
* It will be the first WMG since 1994 Brisbane that has not been organised and controlled by the IWF
Masters Committee.
At previous World Masters Games all athletes have paid a WMG entry fee and in addition a $30 USD fee to the IWF Masters Committee for its administration costs and to pay for doping control at the WMG. The IWF Masters Committee is rapidly and efficiently controlling its finances and for the first time ever, and assuming its presence in 2013 in Turin there is a strong possibility that this additional fee of $30 USD will not be charged. In addition the IWF Masters is hoping to introduce, again for the first time at any WMG, two medals, one will be the actual WMG Medal and the second will be a World Masters Championship medal.
As this bulletin is being published negotiations with the IMG-WOC are ongoing and it is hoped that a further bulletin will be published very soon to confirm the involvement of the IWF Masters in the 2013 WMG Turin. Included will be as much information as is available and this website will also support and advertise on behalf of the 2013 WMG Turin.
Keep visiting this website for its update on the 2013 WMG Turin.
The moment this happens all details will be published to this website.
If the IWF Masters do not receive this invitation it is certain that weightlifting will still be a part of the 2013 WMG Turin but the following ingredients will probably be missing.
* It will not be sanctioned by the IWF Masters Committee.
* There will be no 2012 World Masters Weightlifting Championship within the WMG.
* There will be no World Masters records and no WMG records.
* There will be no anthems played and no flags displayed at the medal ceremonies.
* The referees will not be 100% IWF CAT 1 and IWF CAT II.
* It is possible that individual results will have no Sinclair Malone Meltzer Points calculation.
* There will be no National Team Competition.
* It will be the first WMG since 1994 Brisbane that has not been organised and controlled by the IWF
Masters Committee.
At previous World Masters Games all athletes have paid a WMG entry fee and in addition a $30 USD fee to the IWF Masters Committee for its administration costs and to pay for doping control at the WMG. The IWF Masters Committee is rapidly and efficiently controlling its finances and for the first time ever, and assuming its presence in 2013 in Turin there is a strong possibility that this additional fee of $30 USD will not be charged. In addition the IWF Masters is hoping to introduce, again for the first time at any WMG, two medals, one will be the actual WMG Medal and the second will be a World Masters Championship medal.
As this bulletin is being published negotiations with the IMG-WOC are ongoing and it is hoped that a further bulletin will be published very soon to confirm the involvement of the IWF Masters in the 2013 WMG Turin. Included will be as much information as is available and this website will also support and advertise on behalf of the 2013 WMG Turin.
Keep visiting this website for its update on the 2013 WMG Turin.
Bulletin 17 - July 2012
Very interesting report written by the American Master, Chris
Dariotis, on Facebook on July 4th 2012.
====================================================
Masters’ Weightlifting
The story of the 25th Pan American Masters
Championships
Many people question the lure of competition in a Masters sporting event. Comments like “I want to be remembered at the height of my career”, or “I am too old and injured now”, or “Why travel to compete, my gym total would win” are often heard. But, from my point of view there are many compelling arguments for participating in a Masters
competition.
It is very difficult to keep up a regular and consistent training schedule without the knowledge that you have created a goal for yourself. Setting a goal of lifting a certain weight, or finishing in a certain spot, or breaking a record, or just looking your best are all things that can keep you motivated to keep training. But, one of the most overlooked goals is the feeling of camaraderie with like minded people and a desire to travel to interesting parts of the world and to feel important because you have a purpose.
The competition held June 23rd and 24th in Santa Domingo, The Dominican Republic was very much the last goal. This was my 13th International competition, but I had never seen so many new people who came to try out the sport. Some had been training at Crossfit gyms, some were college strength coaches, some were European trained lifters now
living in the USA, and some were lifting in only their 2nd or 3rd contest. All these new faces brought a fresh enthusiasm to the event.
The competitors from 10 Pan American countries all stayed in several hotels at the beach in Boca Chica. These all-inclusive hotels provided lodging and all you food and beverages for one fixed price. The organizers provided bus transportation from the hotels to the competition venue in Santa Domingo, a 25 minute drive. The venue had been constructed in 2006, the Olympic Village, for the Pan American Games. The weightlifting hall is one of only 4 in the world dedicated solely to weightlifting. Unfortunately, since 2006 funding must have evaporated since it was in miserable disrepair: there was garbage everywhere, no running water in the toilets and showers, and no air
conditioning. Fortunately the Eleiko bars were in good condition as well as the platforms.
The only food available for the competitors and spectators were ice cream bars and an interesting sandwich prepared by a fellow on a 3 wheel bicycle with a burner where the seat should be. He would crack an egg and boil it in oil on the burner, heat up a slab of some meat on the hot plate, and slip those two onto a bun. A squirt of a “special sauce” finished off your meal. At the start of the competition this cost $1 but the cost doubled once he knew he was the only game in town. The day of my competition started with a 8:30 AM bus ride to the venue to coach my fiancé, Margy Morton, who was competing in only her 3rd ever competition. She felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness as she went in for her weigh in. Stripping down for a weigh in can be a bit intimidating, but I am sure the weighers are looking at the scale, not who they are weighing.
The bottled water had not yet arrived at the venue, and not only was there no running water in the toilets, there was also no seats and no paper. Margy had been given an energy bar by Julie Foley who was competing in her 2nd ever meet. She had not been aware of the rule that says that you need to have lifted the qualifying total in the weight class you intend to compete in. She had qualified as a 63 but had cut weight to lift as a 58. She weighed in at 57, and was told she could not compete in that category, so she needed to go drink several bottles of water to get her weight up to 58.05. She powered many of her lifts since the officials were being extra strict on calling infractions. A questionable 2 reds on Margy’s 3rd snatch attempt kept her from a PR in that lift, but she did PR in clean and jerk and total. Since all the women lift in only 2 sessions they are all very helpful towards each other and form a lot of friendships. The
Canadian women, Shirley Bly, Judy Quinn, and Christine Walt had an especially good time, laughing for 6 days
straight.
It was hot in that warm up room, 95 degrees and 95% humidity, so after Margy’s session I took the bus back to the hotel. I needed to get something to eat and to rest in some air conditioning. It is also very taxing on a lifter to sit in an auditorium and watch the other lifters; you tax your nervous system as you urge on each other lifter. So, I headed out, but it was a half hour ride each way and I was almost late for my weigh-in on the return trip. I made weight and got set for my session of 9 lifters. I had begun training for this competition 6 months before and had given myself a goal of attempting to break the World Record in the clean and jerk, held by Fredrich Steiner of Austria, the father of the Olympic Gold Medalist, Matheus. Besides the shear difficulty of lifting 138 kg, there were the handicaps of the 95 degree heat and the fact that I would need to follow myself for every attempt to be able to finish that high. Instead, I decided to attempt the Pan Am records and to try for more on my final attempt. I made 2 snatch records, finishing with
93 and 2 clean and jerk records, finishing with 120kg before making a 13 kg jump to attempt to break the American Record with 133 kg. That attempt was closer than I expected for following myself after a 13 kg jump, but it was too much for this day. I was fortunate to have close competition from David Meltzer so that I only had to follow myself on
the final lift. My efforts earned me “Best Lifter” of my age group, finishing second amongst all lifters. The “Grand Master” was Marcel Perron, from Canada. I had competed against Marcel in 1972 in my first Canadian Championships, which he won, and he is still going strong at 79 years young.
One of my greatest joys at Masters’ competitions is being on the same stage with old friends or former greats, but this meet was different as I was excited about all the new people who had come to compete. I hope that many more people come to this sport and fill out the ranks. If you will look at the results that are posted you will see that most people will be able to compete successfully even without a lifetime of training behind them.
Day 2 saw the younger men competing. They may not think of themselves as still young, but from my vantage point they are. I“retired” from competitive weightlifting when I was 29 and did not take it up again until I was 50. After the first 6 months of adjusting to the additional strain, I made pretty steady gains for 5 years, but I have been declining for the last 5 years. At 50, I realized that I had identified myself as a weightlifter and by not competing any more that I had lost part of my identity, so it is satisfying to be back in the game.
There were many fine competitors on this day, but I was concentrating on the epic battle among the superheavyweight 35 year olds. 3 men battled it out for a very close competition: Carmen Pata (USA) who is a college strength coach only competing for the 4th time, Darwin Aray (Venezuelan) who had very quick, full movements, and tall Sean Gawley
(Canada) who is an electrician working on tall transmission towers. Sean and Darwin were tied after the snatch at 120 with Carmen 8 kg behind. Darwin opened first at 135, then Sean at 140, and finally big (141 kg) Carmen at 145. So now it was Darwin 255, Carmen 257, and Sean 269. Darwin made 145, forcing Sean to go to 146, and he missed.
Darwin was in the lead. Darwin took 149 for his 3rd, but missed the jerk, while Sean waited. His miss at 146 didn’t look that close, but he came out and smoked 150 to put him ahead by 5 kg. Carmen had waited and now took 152. 154 would have put him ahead of Darwin, but he wanted to be successful. Unfortunately, the heat and pressure of competition was too much for him today and he was not able to complete it on 2 tries, but it was a valiant effort by someone very new to the sport.
The competition finished with an awards banquet later that night. Later we turned the trip into a vacation and bonding experience with our new friends.
Dariotis, on Facebook on July 4th 2012.
====================================================
Masters’ Weightlifting
The story of the 25th Pan American Masters
Championships
Many people question the lure of competition in a Masters sporting event. Comments like “I want to be remembered at the height of my career”, or “I am too old and injured now”, or “Why travel to compete, my gym total would win” are often heard. But, from my point of view there are many compelling arguments for participating in a Masters
competition.
It is very difficult to keep up a regular and consistent training schedule without the knowledge that you have created a goal for yourself. Setting a goal of lifting a certain weight, or finishing in a certain spot, or breaking a record, or just looking your best are all things that can keep you motivated to keep training. But, one of the most overlooked goals is the feeling of camaraderie with like minded people and a desire to travel to interesting parts of the world and to feel important because you have a purpose.
The competition held June 23rd and 24th in Santa Domingo, The Dominican Republic was very much the last goal. This was my 13th International competition, but I had never seen so many new people who came to try out the sport. Some had been training at Crossfit gyms, some were college strength coaches, some were European trained lifters now
living in the USA, and some were lifting in only their 2nd or 3rd contest. All these new faces brought a fresh enthusiasm to the event.
The competitors from 10 Pan American countries all stayed in several hotels at the beach in Boca Chica. These all-inclusive hotels provided lodging and all you food and beverages for one fixed price. The organizers provided bus transportation from the hotels to the competition venue in Santa Domingo, a 25 minute drive. The venue had been constructed in 2006, the Olympic Village, for the Pan American Games. The weightlifting hall is one of only 4 in the world dedicated solely to weightlifting. Unfortunately, since 2006 funding must have evaporated since it was in miserable disrepair: there was garbage everywhere, no running water in the toilets and showers, and no air
conditioning. Fortunately the Eleiko bars were in good condition as well as the platforms.
The only food available for the competitors and spectators were ice cream bars and an interesting sandwich prepared by a fellow on a 3 wheel bicycle with a burner where the seat should be. He would crack an egg and boil it in oil on the burner, heat up a slab of some meat on the hot plate, and slip those two onto a bun. A squirt of a “special sauce” finished off your meal. At the start of the competition this cost $1 but the cost doubled once he knew he was the only game in town. The day of my competition started with a 8:30 AM bus ride to the venue to coach my fiancé, Margy Morton, who was competing in only her 3rd ever competition. She felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness as she went in for her weigh in. Stripping down for a weigh in can be a bit intimidating, but I am sure the weighers are looking at the scale, not who they are weighing.
The bottled water had not yet arrived at the venue, and not only was there no running water in the toilets, there was also no seats and no paper. Margy had been given an energy bar by Julie Foley who was competing in her 2nd ever meet. She had not been aware of the rule that says that you need to have lifted the qualifying total in the weight class you intend to compete in. She had qualified as a 63 but had cut weight to lift as a 58. She weighed in at 57, and was told she could not compete in that category, so she needed to go drink several bottles of water to get her weight up to 58.05. She powered many of her lifts since the officials were being extra strict on calling infractions. A questionable 2 reds on Margy’s 3rd snatch attempt kept her from a PR in that lift, but she did PR in clean and jerk and total. Since all the women lift in only 2 sessions they are all very helpful towards each other and form a lot of friendships. The
Canadian women, Shirley Bly, Judy Quinn, and Christine Walt had an especially good time, laughing for 6 days
straight.
It was hot in that warm up room, 95 degrees and 95% humidity, so after Margy’s session I took the bus back to the hotel. I needed to get something to eat and to rest in some air conditioning. It is also very taxing on a lifter to sit in an auditorium and watch the other lifters; you tax your nervous system as you urge on each other lifter. So, I headed out, but it was a half hour ride each way and I was almost late for my weigh-in on the return trip. I made weight and got set for my session of 9 lifters. I had begun training for this competition 6 months before and had given myself a goal of attempting to break the World Record in the clean and jerk, held by Fredrich Steiner of Austria, the father of the Olympic Gold Medalist, Matheus. Besides the shear difficulty of lifting 138 kg, there were the handicaps of the 95 degree heat and the fact that I would need to follow myself for every attempt to be able to finish that high. Instead, I decided to attempt the Pan Am records and to try for more on my final attempt. I made 2 snatch records, finishing with
93 and 2 clean and jerk records, finishing with 120kg before making a 13 kg jump to attempt to break the American Record with 133 kg. That attempt was closer than I expected for following myself after a 13 kg jump, but it was too much for this day. I was fortunate to have close competition from David Meltzer so that I only had to follow myself on
the final lift. My efforts earned me “Best Lifter” of my age group, finishing second amongst all lifters. The “Grand Master” was Marcel Perron, from Canada. I had competed against Marcel in 1972 in my first Canadian Championships, which he won, and he is still going strong at 79 years young.
One of my greatest joys at Masters’ competitions is being on the same stage with old friends or former greats, but this meet was different as I was excited about all the new people who had come to compete. I hope that many more people come to this sport and fill out the ranks. If you will look at the results that are posted you will see that most people will be able to compete successfully even without a lifetime of training behind them.
Day 2 saw the younger men competing. They may not think of themselves as still young, but from my vantage point they are. I“retired” from competitive weightlifting when I was 29 and did not take it up again until I was 50. After the first 6 months of adjusting to the additional strain, I made pretty steady gains for 5 years, but I have been declining for the last 5 years. At 50, I realized that I had identified myself as a weightlifter and by not competing any more that I had lost part of my identity, so it is satisfying to be back in the game.
There were many fine competitors on this day, but I was concentrating on the epic battle among the superheavyweight 35 year olds. 3 men battled it out for a very close competition: Carmen Pata (USA) who is a college strength coach only competing for the 4th time, Darwin Aray (Venezuelan) who had very quick, full movements, and tall Sean Gawley
(Canada) who is an electrician working on tall transmission towers. Sean and Darwin were tied after the snatch at 120 with Carmen 8 kg behind. Darwin opened first at 135, then Sean at 140, and finally big (141 kg) Carmen at 145. So now it was Darwin 255, Carmen 257, and Sean 269. Darwin made 145, forcing Sean to go to 146, and he missed.
Darwin was in the lead. Darwin took 149 for his 3rd, but missed the jerk, while Sean waited. His miss at 146 didn’t look that close, but he came out and smoked 150 to put him ahead by 5 kg. Carmen had waited and now took 152. 154 would have put him ahead of Darwin, but he wanted to be successful. Unfortunately, the heat and pressure of competition was too much for him today and he was not able to complete it on 2 tries, but it was a valiant effort by someone very new to the sport.
The competition finished with an awards banquet later that night. Later we turned the trip into a vacation and bonding experience with our new friends.
Bulletin 16 - May 2012
The 2012 European Masters Weightlifting Championship in Lankaran, Azerbaijan, is only 3 weeks away as this report is being typed. The championship has a total entry of 248 including 25 women making up slightly more than 10% of the total entry. Lankaran is situated by the Caspian Sea and as the championship is early June the weather should be quite warm and sunny. One would think it would attract entries but the opposite has been the case and 248 must be one of the smallest entries since the inauguration of the European Masters Championship in Salzburg, Austria, in 1991.
Nevertheless, and all credit to the organisers, they are determined to organise the best possible championship. Most certainly the hotels are considerably better than it was possible to use (rather than book) in Tolyatti, Russia, where the entry was around 311. As Tolyatti proved to be a good championship I am equally certain that Lankaran will be the same. Certainly Lankaran has the support of the Government and the W/L Federation which was not the case in Tolyatti. I am sure that all the competitors will take away good memories from their time in Azerbaijan.
Next event in the Masters calendar is the 2012 World Masters in Lviv, Ukraine, where once again the organisers have the support of Government, Federation, and the Local Authority in Lviv. For any information you may require about this championship, including hotel accommodation, visit their website at -
www.lvivmasters.com
The European and World Masters Championships are the only International Masters Championships where doping control is assured and World and European Masters records can be broken.
This short bulletin will be concluded by repeating what has been said more than once before. When Congress takes place at European Masters Championships there is always an item on the Agenda to vote for a host nation for future championships. The European Masters Committee does not vote at Congress and therefore the decision rests with the delegates, most of whom are National Masters Chairmen. Once the votes are cast and the bid has been won by a new host nation it must surely be the responsibility of each National Masters Chairman to support that host nation and support the championship by encouraging as many of your lifters as possible to participate. It is certain that the European Masters Committee will all be there. The future of Masters weightlifting depends on, and rests on this very principle. I do believe that most of the National Masters Chairmen have done their jobs and made the effort to support this championship in Lankaran, Azerbaijan, evidenced by the number of nations participating. Ii is hoped that all countries will attend this very important 2012 Electoral Congress of Nations.
1. Germany
2. Azerbaijan
3. England
4. France
5. Austria
6. Finland
7. Russia
8. Czech
9. Denmark
10. Belgium
11. Sweden
12. Belorusia
13. Ukraine
14. Estonia
15. Turkiye
16. Georgia
17. Ireland
18. Scotland
19. Hungary
20. Italy
21. Poland
22. Greece
23. Norway
24. Cyprus
25. Nederthland
Nevertheless, and all credit to the organisers, they are determined to organise the best possible championship. Most certainly the hotels are considerably better than it was possible to use (rather than book) in Tolyatti, Russia, where the entry was around 311. As Tolyatti proved to be a good championship I am equally certain that Lankaran will be the same. Certainly Lankaran has the support of the Government and the W/L Federation which was not the case in Tolyatti. I am sure that all the competitors will take away good memories from their time in Azerbaijan.
Next event in the Masters calendar is the 2012 World Masters in Lviv, Ukraine, where once again the organisers have the support of Government, Federation, and the Local Authority in Lviv. For any information you may require about this championship, including hotel accommodation, visit their website at -
www.lvivmasters.com
The European and World Masters Championships are the only International Masters Championships where doping control is assured and World and European Masters records can be broken.
This short bulletin will be concluded by repeating what has been said more than once before. When Congress takes place at European Masters Championships there is always an item on the Agenda to vote for a host nation for future championships. The European Masters Committee does not vote at Congress and therefore the decision rests with the delegates, most of whom are National Masters Chairmen. Once the votes are cast and the bid has been won by a new host nation it must surely be the responsibility of each National Masters Chairman to support that host nation and support the championship by encouraging as many of your lifters as possible to participate. It is certain that the European Masters Committee will all be there. The future of Masters weightlifting depends on, and rests on this very principle. I do believe that most of the National Masters Chairmen have done their jobs and made the effort to support this championship in Lankaran, Azerbaijan, evidenced by the number of nations participating. Ii is hoped that all countries will attend this very important 2012 Electoral Congress of Nations.
1. Germany
2. Azerbaijan
3. England
4. France
5. Austria
6. Finland
7. Russia
8. Czech
9. Denmark
10. Belgium
11. Sweden
12. Belorusia
13. Ukraine
14. Estonia
15. Turkiye
16. Georgia
17. Ireland
18. Scotland
19. Hungary
20. Italy
21. Poland
22. Greece
23. Norway
24. Cyprus
25. Nederthland
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