Spencer new president of powerlifting federation
Gordon Spencer who has served in numerous capacities within the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPF), ascended to the presidency when the body hosted its Annual General Meeting and Election of Office Bearers on Saturday at the National Resource Centre.
With former President, Ed Caesar not seeking re-election, Spencer, a former Vice President, General Secretary and Treasurer of the body, got more votes for the top post ahead of former PRO and presidential nominee, Runita White.
The 2021 Executive Committee is as follows:President -Gordon Spencer
Vice President -Colin Austin
General Secretary -Roger Rogers
PRO- Mark Seymour
Treasurer- Candace Lam
Committee Members- Franklyn Brisport- Luke, Ryan Sookdeo and Thurston Pearce.
In post election comments, Spencer who has been involved in the iron sport as a competitor and an official since 2007, had the following to say about the long and short term goals of the federation.
“We would want to make Powerlifting a front line sport. We need more awareness, so we will re-introduce outreaches to the regions.”
Spencer, 60, added “Importantly, to satisfy a major requirement of the IPF, that is to commence drug testing of our athletes. This is costly, but we will work with the Regional body - RADO- through its representative in Guyana.”
He then reasoned that “We have to form synergies with all organisations that have to do with sports management, health, diet, etc. We will form partnerships with both the government and the private sector.”
The Category 2 IPF Referee then stated that there will be the hosting of Powerlifting clinics, referees clinics and certification of local referees.
“These goals will take time but are all doable. Fund-raising is key, however, our greatest challenge will be starting our drug testing programme.”
During the forum, Caesar, White and Andrew Austin presented the President , General Secretary and Treasurer’s annual reports respectively to members of the body.
Principal of the Kuru Kuru Cooperative College, Hansen Elliott, was the Returning Officer.