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2011 Oceania Weightlifting Federation Annual Congress

Held last week on Saturday, 03 September 2011 at the spectacular South Pacific Commission in Nouméa, the Oceania Weightlifting Federation (OWF) held its Annual Congress. The OWF President, His Excellency, Marcus Stephen (NRU) and General Secretary, Paul Coffa (AUS), welcomed 21 National Federations to the largest congress in the Federation’s 31-year history held in New Caledonia.

The Congress discussed important matters relating to the sport including the Oceania Institute, the Pacific Games as well as the Olympic Solidarity programme. Life membership was given to Mr. Lyn Jones for his outstanding service to the Oceania region. Lyn was the OWF General Secretary from December 1980 to 1983 and President from 1983 to 1992. He was also Executive Board member of the IWF for eight years whilst he was President of Oceania. Life membership was given also to HE Marcus Stephen for his contribution to the region and especially the Pacific Islands. He has been an inspiration to many young aspiring athletes being one of the greatest athletes in the Pacific.

Wallis & Futuna will host the 2013 Mini Pacific Games and weightlifting is one of the 8 sports on the programme. For the first time ever, the Oceania Championships will be incorporated within the 2013 Mini Games. This decision was passed unanimously by the Pacific Games Council congress.