News

Tokyo 2020 Unveils the Emblems of the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games

Tokyo 2020 Unveils the Emblems of the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games Symbolising the Power of the World Coming Together as One Tokyo, 24 July 2015 – The Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee today held an event to unveil the official emblems of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Tokyo 2020’s Games Vision was further manifested as the emblems capture its core essence. When the world comes together for Tokyo 2020, we will experience the joy of uniting as one team. By accepting everyone in the world as equals, we will learn the full meaning of coming together as one. The Tokyo 2020 emblems were created to symbolise the power of this unity. The black colour of the central column represents diversity, the combination of all colours. The shape of the circle represents an inclusive world in which everyone accepts each other. The red of the circle represents the power of every beating heart. These elements combine to create the emblems of both the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Tokyo 2020 Olympic emblem is inspired by the T in TOKYO TOMORROW TEAM The Tokyo 2020 Paralympic emblem is inspired by = the universal sign of equality. 2020 is almost here. Let’s unite in the spirit of these emblems to stage an Olympic and Paralympic Games for a better world and a brighter future. Read more on the official website of Tokyo

OWF Newsletter: Weightlifting – a success in Port Moresby

The Games are over. Weightlifting was undoubtedly one of the most successful sports at the Pacific Games. And for the very first time in Pacific Games history, Australia and New Zealand took part in the sport of weightlifting. In fact it was an Oceania Games for our sport. Port Moresby made history in weightlifting. For the first time ever, 21 countries took part. These Games attracted the highest number of competitors in its history. The television coverage was excellent. Four days of direct telecast. Brendon Telfer did a great job assisted by Luisa Peters and Lilly Coffa. The crowd was large, extremely enthusiastic and in some categories like the 53kg and 94kg, it was standing room only. IWF President Dr. Tamas Ajan attended the competitions. Also from Malaysia, we had the IWF Vice President and the President of the Commonwealth Weightlifting Federation, Dato Ong Poh Eng, together with Mr. Attila Adamfi the IWF Director General . We were also honoured with the attendance of Prince Andrew, Duke of York during the 48Kg category on the first day of the Games. The warm up area at the Pacific Games The venue was of World Championships standard. The warm up area had 10 platforms – all ZKC equipment. All other facilities were provided in close proximity to the warm up area. At the opening ceremony, 50% of the countries’ flag bearers were weightlifters. Dika Toua was the final baton runner and she lit the torch. The loaders, with the assistance of the Institute lifters did a tremendous job for the four day duration. It was nice to see that Jerry Wallwork, OWF 1st Vice President, at the conclusion of the Games was awarded the best coach of the Games. Every day we witnessed great battles, with many of the categories decided on the last lift. Many thanks must go to the Government of PNG, the PNG National Olympic Committee, the Minister for Sport the Hon. Justin Tkatchenko , and of course Mr Andrew Daubney, the Marketing Manager of Trukai Industries. The Organizing Committee of Weightlifting under the leadership of Sir John Dawanincura did an excellent job. The event ran like clockwork and his small teams of volunteers were absolutely superb. Sir John, everyone associated with weightlifting wants to say thank you for your outstanding efforts in making weightlifting one of the most, if not the most successful sport at the Pacific Games. Read the newsletter here. Source: Paul Coffa, OWF General

Buenos Aires 2018 launches official emblem

With just over three years to go, Buenos Aires 2018 has proudly unveiled its emblem for the third Summer Youth Olympic Games. To reflect the diversity of Buenos Aires, the emblem is inspired by the city’s vibrant colours, eclectic culture, iconic architecture and the many neighbourhoods that make up the Argentinian capital. Watch the short video that gives a taste of the famous landmarks and style of the city that went into the creation of the design; from the Space Tower in the heart of the Youth Olympic Village to the iconic Floralis Generica sculpture, this emblem gives a small glimpse of the many facets of Buenos Aires. Source:

Pan Am Games weightlifting ended in Toronto

The Weightlifting competitions at the 2015 Pan American Games held in Toronto, CAN come to end. From the 6 countries winning Gold medal and 10 countries won medal, Colombia was the most successful with 8 Gold and 13 medals all together. They were followed by Venezuela winning 7 and Cuba 5. Impressive strength was shown by almost all 118 competing athletes while men broke 14 and women broke 15 Pan Am Games records! Women setting records: KING Morghan Whitney USA PIRON CANDELARIO Beatriz DOM VASQUEZ HERNANDEZ Candida DOM SEGURA SEGURA Ana Iris COL VASQUEZ HERNANDEZ Candida DOM VILLAR BARBOZA Rusmeris COL SOLIS ARBOLEDA Leidy Yessenia Men setting records: DE LAS SALAS DE LA ROSA Habib COL MOSQUERA LOZANO Luis J. COL NUÑEZ Yadier CUB HERNANDEZ Yoelmis CUB REIS Fernando BRA Check out the RESULT BOOK here. Insidethegames story here. Toronto 2015 news

Lennart Blomberg of ELEIKO passes away

Weightlifters – athletes and amateurs alike – all over the world are shocked by the sad news of Lennart Blomberg passing away. Former CEO of the Swedish ELEIKO Company, Lennart guided one of the world’s oldest barbell manufacturing companies since the Blomberg Family took it over in 1990. ELEIKO was the first manufacturer officially approved by the IWF (in 1969), a regular supplier of the Olympic barbell and a reliable partner for several decades. In 2007 Lennart Blomberg was elected in the Weightlifting Hall of Fame representing a sponsor with invaluable services to the sport. In 2012 Lennart passed on the baton to his son, Eric but continued to live an active and healthy life. What a shock to have lost him now in an unexpected heart attack! The IWF, its President, Executive Board and the whole membership mourn with his family, the Company and

Updated info from the Pacific Games in Port Moresby

Port Moresby, PNG is organizing the Pacific Games for the 3rd time. 28 sports (both Olympic and non-Olympic sports) are represented. From the 24 countries participating, AUS and NZL are competing for the first time only in 4 sports: Weightlifting, Rugby, Taekwondo, and Sailing. Weightlifting is the No 1 sport having the biggest participation with 21 countries and is the only sport where the event includes the Oceania Youth, Junior and senior Oceania Championships. The competition is full qualification event for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Weightlifter Dika Toua (PNG) lit the Pacific Games cauldron after HRH Prince Andrew (GBR) declared the Games open. Out of 24 countries marching in at the Opening Ceremony, 12 flag bearers are weightlifters The Oceania Weightlifting Federation had an Executive Board Meeting prior to the competitions to kick off. During the Technical Meeting, that was the OWF Congress as well, Andrew Minogue, Pacific Games Council CEO expressed their appreciation for the IWF for being represented by Dr. Tamas Ajan, President, Dato Ong Poh Eng, Vice President and Mr. Attila Adamfi, Director General and for including the Games as a Qualification Event for Rio 2016. The OWF Congress allocated the 2016 Oceania Championships to