Competitions started in Penang at the 1st IWF Continental Clubs Grand Prix
The Welcome dinner of the 1st IWF Continental Clubs Grand Prix was attended by numerous dignitaries of Malaysia and the International Weightlifting leaders, including Sam Coffa, Vice President, Ong Poh Eng, Executive Board Member and Paul Coffa, Oceania and Commonwealth Federations’ General Secretary.
„For Malaysia hosting this prestigious weightlifting event is a great honour,” said The Right Honorable Chief Minister of Penang Mr. Lin Guan Eng, when addressing the participants of the welcome dinner. Madame Yang Berhmormat Lydia Ong Kok Fooi, State Minister for Penang Youth and Sports also emphasized:
“Penang is proud to host the inaugural IWF Continental Clubs Grand Prix and we definitely regard it as a dress rehearsal for the 2011 Junior World Championships we shall be hosting here next June.”
The Honorable Vinson Detenamo, President of the Commonwealth Weightlifting Federation and En. Zafarul Akbar bin Haji Kassin, President of the Malaysian Weightlifting Federation were also in attendance.
The Matahari Ballroom of the Equatorial Hotel was decorated beautifully and the organizers staged a wonderful folk dancing show involving the audience during the 8- course delicious dinner.
The competitions started yesterday for about 100 weightlifters out of 20 countries who are competing in the 1st Intercontinental Clubs Grand Prix. Each Club came with the determination of winning the competition at the Penang International Sports Arena. The IWF technical staff and officials present – besides supporting the organizers with expertise – will guarantee an objective and fair judgment and a ranking based on a special system to determine the winners.
