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Blackpool To Host The LGBT International Powerlifting Championships 2019 And 2020
In July 2019 LGBT strength athletes from all over the world will come to Blackpool to contest the Championships, which in 2018 became the first sports event in the world to offer an Mx third gender category for Trans, Non Binary and Intersex participants.
The previous two LGBT IPC events were held in London with athletes attending from nine different nations including Australia, Belarus, Belgium, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, United States of America and of course the host nation Great Britain. Blackpool won the bidding process for the 2019 and 2020 Championships, with it’s reputation for being the UK’s most LGBT friendly seaside town and it’s abundance of low cost accommodation options.
LGBT IPC Athletes are welcome to participate in the championships regardless of their age, sexuality, health status, ability or gender. Last year the LGBT IPC introduced a new Mx third gender category, which welcomes transgender, non-binary and intersex participants to compete. The LGBT IPC is very proud to be the first sporting event in the world to introduce a third gender category, so Mx people can participate in a safe environment, without fear of discrimination.
The previous championships were attended by national champions, world champions, world record holders and also a lifter who had competed in the Arnold Classic Sports Festival. The LGBT IPC competition is particularly friendly towards novices as they have their own category, for those who are competing for the first time. LGBT IPC is very committed towards reaching out to sections of the community that are under-represented in the sport.
Speaking about the confirmation of Blackpool as host town of the Championships, Chris Morgan, Co-President of the LGBT Powerlifting Union said …
«We are delighted to confirm that the ‘LGBT International Powerlifting Championships’ will be in Blackpool, the most LGBT and in particular Trans Friendly town in the UK. We have confirmed a fantastic new venue and have a fresh and exciting new programme of events and activities. Registration for athletes and coaches is now open and details can be found at our website www.lgbtpowerlifting.org».
Speaking about the LGBT International Powerlifting Championships in Blackpool 2019, Charlotte Wareing, Co-President of the LGBT Powerlifting Union said …
«I’m very proud the LGBT IPC is coming to my home town of Blackpool and that we can offer hospitality to athletes coming to Blackpool from all over the world. We are very grateful for the positive response from all our community partners that have made this all possible. We are looking forward to delivering an incredible experience for all of our guests in the summer of 2019».
LGBT IPC Programme 2019
The choice of the seaside town of Blackpool as our host town will give us the opportunity of doubling our participation levels over the next two years as the town has an abundance of high quality, low cost accommodation. Athletes from all over the world will find Blackpool a very affordable place to stay and easy to access as they will be able to take the one hour fast train directly from Manchester International Airport straight into the Gay Village in the centre of Blackpool.
Blackpool 2019 will be happening 19th – 21st July 2019 and the programme currently includes a Coaching Clinic, Technical Briefing, Competition, Social Evening, Congress, Development Workshop and Closing Party at the World Renowned «Funny Girls Cabaret». Blackpool 2019 and 2020 will give us the opportunity to build our participation numbers and provide a very safe host town environment for all of our Trans, Non Binary and Intersex participants.
Community Partnerships
In the build up to Blackpool 2019 the LGBT Powerlifting Union are planning workshops in the North on Saturday 5th January (Blackpool) and the South on Sunday 13th January (London) with more dates to follow soon for workshops in the USA. The UK workshops will be hosted by experienced coaches Chris Morgan, Charlotte Wareing and Hanne Bingle who have won over 20 world titles between them, with the assistance of partner gyms Fortitude Fitness in Blackpool and Bethnal Green Weightlifting Club in London.
The LGBT Powerlifting Union, would like to thank Blackpool Sixth Form College for being our host venue partner, The Lawton Hotel and The Beechfield Hotel for being our host hotels, Pride Sports for assisting us in the delivery of Congress and Development Workshops, and Funny Girls for hosting our closing Cabaret Banquet Party. LGBT IPC will also be partnering with LGBT Horizon Charity in delivering «The Healthy Living Café”, which will be open throughout the championship weekend, with all proceeds donated to their local LGBT Hardship Fund.
For more details about the LGBT International Powerlifting Championships and to register for Blackpool 2019 visit their website: www.lgbtpowerlifting.org or their Facebook Group.
