In it’s third year running the Pembrokeshire Schools Weightlifting Championships will be hosted at Ysgol Milford Haven on the 9th November. The schools County championships has previously been hosted by Ysgol Bro Gwaun and the previous Sir Thomas Picton School.
The Pembrokeshire Schools championships is the only schools weightlifting competition in Wales outside of the National age group championships.
Pembrokeshire Weightlifting and the Pembrokeshire County Council have played instrumental roles in developing a schools weightlifting programme throughout the County. LAPA funding has trained volunteer coaches and PE teachers who run school weightlifting clubs. There has been excellent support from Pembrokeshire Sport and Pembrokeshire Leisure. All Pembrokeshire competitions have been organised by Justin Head, Regional Development Officer for Weightlifting Wales. The weightlifting pathway in Pembrokeshire is well supported by over 20 volunteer coaches and technical officials.
Weightlifting in Pembrokeshire is developing at a rapid rate, with many youth females and males taking up the sport at the main centres in the County, both South Pembs Weightlifting Club and Strength Academy Wales.
Previous pupils who have competed at this event have progressed onto the Weightlifting Wales and Great Britain pathways, including representation at Welsh Talent squads, Welsh Squads, Welsh International competitions and British International squads and European events.
Some previous schools competitors have qualified as technical officials and have officiated at both Welsh and British International events.
In-addition, other previous competitors from Pembrokeshire have also gone onto qualify as coaches and have gained work experience and employment opportunities at the Pembrokeshire based centres.
Simon Roach, sports manager, Weightlifting Wales mentions that, “The vast development in Pembrokeshire has been hugely aided by the enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers. Weightlifting centres in Pembrokeshire not only develop the athlete, but have a fantastic programme which develops the person. This positive approach has a large impact on the well-being of those involved and also helps to produce well rounded, stable and progressing athletes”
How to get involved? Please contact info@strengthacademy.wales
