Military powerlifting is getting stronger, if competition at the second Canadian Armed Forces Atlantic regional competition November 15 to 17 are any indication.
The 14 Wing Greenwood Bar Benders powerlifting group hosted competitors from Halifax, Gagetown, Shearwater and Gander. A regional event at Aldershot several years ago, with the first CAF regional competition in 2022 at Greenwood, along with a seminar and civilian competition earlier this year, has added newcomers to the program and grown interest.
“One event highlight is that we had 30 lifters for this event – double what we had last year, so the sport is definitely growing and making a positive impact,” says 14 Wing personnel Support Program sports coordinator Alyssa Platt.
14 Wing Greenwood Commander Colonel Jeff Davis welcomed competitors to the regional event. Men’s and women’s competition ran over two days, in 59-, 74-kilogram, middle and heavyweight divisions. Athletes earned GL points – good lift points, calculating their total weight lifted over the three competition lifts (squat, bench and deadlift) and their body weight to a comparable number, so participants of different weight classes can be ranked against each other.
Women’s overall medal winners
Gold – Sergeant Paula Roberts (95.885 GL Points), Gagetown
Silver – Private Meagan Perrault-Boutin (75.932 GL points), Gagetown
Men’s overall medal winners
Gold – Master Corporal Jeff Baker (90.73 GL points), Greenwood
Silver – Corporal David Szasz (81.53 GL points), Greenwood
The Greenwood group meets at 10 a.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays to build their skills, add on weights and encourage each other’s development. For information, contact any of the Bar Benders’ coaches, Mack Beattie, Master Corporal Jeff Baker or Sergeant Brian George.
Canadian Armed Forces athletes participated in the 2023 Atlantic Region Powerlifting Championships at 14 Wing Greenwood November 15 to 17, showcasing both the individual strengths of powerlifting and the sport’s teamwork and peer support.
