Special Olympics Powerlifting Spectacular Results

The meet served as an opportunity for some athletes to prepare for the upcoming Special Olympics Canada 2018 Summer Games (SO2018) that will be held in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. It also provided a chance for athletes from Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick and Nova Scotia an opportunity to meet and compete in a Special Olympics exclusive powerlifting meet for the first time in recent memory.

Encouraged by the crowd, lifting began at 1 pm with competitors beginning with the bench press. With weights ranging from an opening attempt of 35kg (~71lb) to a whopping final bench press of 92.5kg (~204lb) by 16 year old Hunter Ellis from PEI.

Deadlifts are always a crowd favourite as athletes attempt to pull a staggering amount of weight off the floor. Seventeen year old Colin Rose from Moncton successfully pulled a 205kg (~451lb) deadlift, securing himself the heaviest deadlift of the day.

Athletes received medals and recognition for the heaviest bench press and heaviest deadlift of the day.

Athletes Enjoyed Great Community Support

Following the meet, Special Olympics Sackville Bedford competitive athletes, Nick, Nathan, and Chris with the support of teammate, Donald proudly shared their accomplishments on Tuesday with CTV’s Cyril Lunney and Ana Almeida. The team enjoyed teaching Cyril and Ana how to deadlift and spotted them while they bench pressed.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to the following sponsors: Renfrew Strength and Conditioning, Special Olympics Sackville Bedford, Special Olympics Nova Scotia, Tanfit Tanning and Supplements, Mama T’s Protein Cookies, Inner Strength Products, and meet photographer Brett Locke Photography for their commitment to the Special Olympics athletes and the meet. Thank you, as well, to the volunteers for offering their time and expertise to ensure a well-run meet, and of course all of the coaches and spectators for their support of the athletes.

Sarah White