Calgary to host 2025 Canadian Weightlifting Championships

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Alberta Weightlifting Association and Weightlifting Canada Haltérophilie Masters

Announce Calgary as Host City for 2025 Canadian Masters Nationals

 

Calgary, Alberta — The Alberta Weightlifting Association (AWA) and Weightlifting Canada Haltérophilie Masters

(WCHM) are delighted to announce that AWA has been selected as the host organization for WCHM’s 2025 Canadian Masters Weightlifting Championships, which will take place on June 27 to 29, 2025 at the Genesis Centre in Calgary, Alberta.

 

"I am pleased to announce that AWA will be hosting the 2025 Canadian Masters Weightlifting Championships,” commented Mark Gomes, President of WCHM. “This marks a historic first for a provincial weightlifting organization to host these Championships. The Alberta Weightlifting Association is to be congratulated for taking this bold step in inter-weightlifting organizational collaboration."

 

AWA’s bid proposal was in partnership with Tourism Calgary and is anticipated to bring over 350 masters athletes, coaches, technical officials and volunteers from across Canada. “Canadian Masters Nationals have typically been in mid-July for us, but when AWA proposed an earlier timing that leads into Calgary Stampede, one of Canada’s most iconic events plus the proximity to the Canadian Rockies, we were very excited about this,” continues Gomes. “Our masters athletes often coincide vacation planning with their competitions and when our national championship hasn’t been out west in eight years, the timing is perfect to kick-off the summer and is a great opportunity for athletes to stay and vacation after.” Calgary Stampede in 2025 will be July 4 through 13.

 

“We’re thrilled that Calgary has been selected to host this prestigious event,” said Carson Ackroyd, Senior Vice President of Sales with Tourism Calgary. “We look forward to welcoming participants during a time of year when our community spirit and warm western hospitality are on full display leading into the Calgary Stampede. There is no better time of year to experience the vibrancy and activity in Calgary and we look forward to hosting everyone.” The Canadian Weightlifting Masters Championship is the premier annual event for Canadian master weightlifters ages 30 to 99 years old. This competition represents the pinnacle of achievement in our sport at the national level for masters weightlifters, many of whom go on to compete at Pan-AM Masters Championship, World Masters Championships or World Masters Games.

 

“Weightlifting is one of the oldest sports, with a rich history dating back to ancient times having been part of the Olympic movement since the first modern Games in 1896,” remarked Alana Yim, President of the Alberta Weightlifting Association. “We’re excited to bring our communities together to share our passion for weightlifting with more Albertans and Canadians and promote health and wellness whether you’re nine years old or 99 years old. It’s truly a sport for all ages and abilities.”

 

Olympic weightlifting is a dynamic and highly skilled sport that involves two main lifts: the snatch and the clean and jerk. Athletes lift a weighted barbell from the ground to overhead in a series of powerful and precise movements, showcasing strength, speed, and technique. Recognized for its emphasis on explosive power and athleticism, Olympic weightlifting is not only a competitive sport but also a popular training method for enhancing overall fitness and athletic performance.

 

Alberta Weightlifting Association and Weightlifting Canada Haltérophilie Masters

Announce Calgary as Host City for 2025 Canadian Masters Nationals

 

 

About Alberta Weightlifting Association

Established in 1958 and incorporated in 1974, Alberta Weightlifting Association is the governing body for the sport of Olympic weightlifting in Alberta. AWA promotes safe sport, fair play, and dope-free principles and provides a range of services to its members, including hosting competitions, development and certification pathways for coaches and technical officials, and athlete development programs. AWA is federated under the national sports organization (NSO) Weightlifting Canada Haltérophilie and adheres to the rules of the International Weightlifting Federation. AWA is a not-for-profit organization that operates under an all-volunteer Executive elected by AWA members.

 

About Weightlifting Canada Haltérophilie Masters  

Weightlifting Canada Haltérophilie Masters  (WCHM) is a federally incorporated, not-for-profit, Canadian sports organization dedicated to the promotion and development of Masters Olympic weightlifting across Canada, and is affiliated with the International Masters Weightlifting Association (IMWA). WCHM fosters a spirit of equity and fair play while encouraging a lifelong commitment to fitness and health. WCHM organizes national competitions and events, provides resources and support for athletes, coaches, and officials, and collaborates with provincial associations to enhance the weightlifting community. WCHM is committed to creating an inclusive environment that welcomes athletes of all ages and skill levels including adaptive athletes competing as para weightlifters.

 

Tourism Calgary

Tourism Calgary is the official destination management organization for Calgary's tourism industry. For more than 60 years, the organization’s primary purpose has been to promote Calgary and area as the destination of choice. With a vision of making Calgary the ultimate host city, Tourism Calgary markets the city locally, nationally, and internationally and advocates for its ongoing development as a destination. The organization hosts and attracts visitors, conventions, and events, and activates the city by fostering the growth of shareable, memorable experiences. In 2023, Calgary saw an estimated 8.4 million visitors and a resulting visitor spend of $2.9 billion.

 

For more information, please contact:

Alana Yim

President

Alberta Weightlifting Association

E: president@albertaweightlifting.com

Mark Gomes

President

Weightlifting Canada Haltérophilie Masters Federation

E: president@wchmasters.org