The cream of the Eastern Cape’s powerlifters will contest the local championships on Saturday, February 8.
The Cape Recife School in Summerstrand will host the event with the weigh-in starting at 07:00. Lifting starts at 09:00.
A total of 31 lifters will compete, and fierce competition is expected in all divisions. One lifter from the Western Cape, Dean McLeary, will also compete as he tries to qualify for the South African championships later this year.
For the locals, there is plenty to compete for. After the event, an Eastern Cape team will be selected for the SA Classic in Potchefstroom at the end of March and the beginning of April.
Local president, André Ludik, said the sparks are going to fly, especially in the sub-junior under 66kg and 74kg divisions.
“Everyone wants to win, and in most cases, there is very little to choose between them. Sometimes the difference is only 2.5kg between lifters.
“The competition in these divisions is really hot, and I wouldn’t be surprised if we see new EC records on the day,” he said.
Two defending SA champions and two defending Eastern Cape champions will take to the platform.
Ludik himself is a national champion in the Master 3 (60-69 years) category. He will be joined by Elisabeth Barry, who is a national champion in the female Masters 2 class (50-59 years).
The defending Eastern Cape champions are Stephene Loubser and Samuel Meshilinie.
Other lifters to look out for include Clarissa Gallant (sub-junior 14-18 years), Lu-tay Louis (female junior 19-23 years), Morgan Holmes (sub-junior 14-18 years), and Willem Bruwer (sub-junior 14-18 years).
