Israel push to develop powerlifting
24.03.2016The country hosts a training seminar for coaches, referees and athletes in a bid to double their number of athletes over the coming year.
Israel hosts a training seminar for coaches, referees and athletes in a bid to double their number of athletes over the coming year of 2016.
© • Israel Paralympic Committee
Israel have made moves to increase the number of powerlifters in their ranks, joining a raft of other countries who have started their development in the sport as it continues to grow in popularity.
Twenty coaches, referees and athletes took part in a recent seminar conducted independently by IPC Powerlifting referee Maria Milea in Israel.
The training was combined with a national powerlifting competition, acting as a practical opportunity to implement the rules and regulations learnt.
Leah Schneider from the Israel Paralympic Committee said that the push to develop the sport comes from the fact that they have an athlete competing on the international stage.
Polina Katzman won a bronze medal at the 2011 European Championships and has provided inspiration to other aspiring athletes.
Schneider also said that the sport was very popular in Israel until the 1980s but that in recent decades it had not been the focus.
However with 10 athletes at the beginner stage and renewed efforts to develop the sport, Israel hope to double that number over the next year.
