The second annual “Chippewa Strong Powerlifting Challenge - The Second Attempt” was a roaring success.
Congratulations to all our powerlifting athletes from Scollard Hall, West Ferris, Algonquin, and Chippewa Secondary Schools for their commitment, efforts, and results both individually and with their team.
These young athletes somehow managed to shock and awe the audience again this year.
"We, their coaches, caregivers, and a cohort of their peers in the audience, were again flabbergasted by their performances, sportsmanship, cooperation, and outstanding sense of community," stated organizer Bill Martel.
"It was stated last year; not one of these athletes wants to win on a technicality, or due to a competitor not having every opportunity to make their best lift, and that prerogative of fair play persists. As personal records were being hit individually, competitors continued to selfishly cheer each other on throughout the day. They as a collective demonstrate a character too often missing in the wider culture. It’s a nostalgic experience to be a part of this positively energetic event."
Many moving parts had to come together to make this day happen and please forgive the incompleteness of this list of thanks.
Organizers thank the coaches, caregivers, custodians, cooks, referees, loaders, spotters, judges, statisticians, volunteers, graphic designers, computer programmers, Jude the DJ, and all the behind-the-scenes coordinators of everything from T-shirt sales to lemon water.
The top six athletes were, in ascending order of 3rd place to 1st.
Bronze - Ryleigh Whalley (West Ferris)
Silver - Anna Moore (Scollard)
Gold - Jelica Robinson (West Ferris)
Bronze - Jack Ogletree (ESCA)
Silver - Nate Sinclair (Chippewa)
Gold - Lucas Nashkawa (Chippewa)
An incredible individual lift needs to be acknowledged and applauded. Lucas Nashkawa, having weighed in at 195lbs in the morning, deadlifted 501.5 lbs to close out the competition this afternoon.
A jam-packed audience roared loud as Lucas locked out the final lift of the day making 501.5lbs look so easy.
Again to all our athletes, congratulations. Who knew getting together to lift heavy things would be so rewarding. We are all extremely proud of you and all your efforts.
