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OWF Newsletter: Weightlifting – a success in Port Moresby

The Games are over. Weightlifting was undoubtedly one of the most successful sports at the Pacific Games. And for the very first time in Pacific Games history, Australia and New Zealand took part in the sport of weightlifting. In fact it was an Oceania Games for our sport. Port Moresby made history in weightlifting. For the first time ever, 21 countries took part.

These Games attracted the highest number of competitors in its history. The television coverage was excellent. Four days of direct telecast. Brendon Telfer did a great job assisted by Luisa Peters and Lilly Coffa. The crowd was large, extremely enthusiastic and in some categories like the 53kg and 94kg, it was standing room only. IWF President Dr. Tamas Ajan attended the competitions. Also from Malaysia, we had the IWF Vice President and the President of the Commonwealth Weightlifting Federation, Dato Ong Poh Eng, together with Mr. Attila Adamfi the IWF Director General . We were also honoured with the attendance of Prince Andrew, Duke of York during the 48Kg category on the first day of the Games. The warm up area at the Pacific Games The venue was of World Championships standard. The warm up area had 10 platforms – all ZKC equipment. All other facilities were provided in close proximity to the warm up area. At the opening ceremony, 50% of the countries’ flag bearers were weightlifters. Dika Toua was the final baton runner and she lit the torch.

The loaders, with the assistance of the Institute lifters did a tremendous job for the four day duration. It was nice to see that Jerry Wallwork, OWF 1st Vice President, at the conclusion of the Games was awarded the best coach of the Games. Every day we witnessed great battles, with many of the categories decided on the last lift.

Many thanks must go to the Government of PNG, the PNG National Olympic Committee, the Minister for Sport the Hon. Justin Tkatchenko , and of course Mr Andrew Daubney, the Marketing Manager of Trukai Industries.

The Organizing Committee of Weightlifting under the leadership of Sir John Dawanincura did an excellent job. The event ran like clockwork and his small teams of volunteers were absolutely superb. Sir John, everyone associated with weightlifting wants to say thank you for your outstanding efforts in making weightlifting one of the most, if not the most successful sport at the Pacific Games.

Read the newsletter here.

Source: Paul Coffa, OWF General Secretary