Forum to host Paralympic qualifier

Posted: 15/02/2021

After a year without competition, Great Britain’s para powerlifters are preparing to restart their qualifying campaigns for the rescheduled Tokyo Paralympics, when the World Para Powerlifting World Cup returns to Wythenshawe from 25-28 March.

Following the inaugural event in 2020, the Forum will once again host athletes from around the globe, as the world’s best para powerlifters go head-to-head for crucial ranking places at one of the final qualification opportunities for this summer’s Games. The National Lottery-funded World Cup will be the first event of its kind to be held in the UK since the start of the pandemic.

Last year’s event was enjoyed by many local people who backed the Great Britain team to nine senior and three junior medals at the competition. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, this year’s event will take place behind closed doors with organisers working with UK public health authorities to implement strict protocols to keep the event as safe and secure as possible.

Fans will still be able to cheer on the team from home by following the action through British Weight Lifting’s social media channels.

Looking ahead to the event, Great Britain’s Rio 2016 Paralympic silver medallist Ali Jawad said: “After everything that’s happened in the last year, it’s a privilege to be given the opportunity to qualify for my fourth Paralympic Games.

“The British public always show such fantastic support for the Paralympics so I hope that I can put in a good performance in Manchester and the other qualifiers and give people something to cheer about this summer.

“Even though the event will be behind closed doors this time, I know our fans will be following every lift from their living rooms and that will give us the boost we need!”

The event is to be delivered on behalf of World Para Powerlifting by British Weight Lifting, in partnership with UK Sport and Manchester City Council.