The LGBT Powerlifting Union will host the LGBT+ International Powerlifting Championships in Summer 2019, with the modern Blackpool Sixth Form College providing the venue, for what promises to be a prestigious new sports event for the town.
IN July 2019 LGBT+ strength athletes from all over the world will descend on 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, because of it’s reputation for being the UK’s most LGBT+ friendly seaside town and it’s abundance of low-cost accommodation options which organisers hope will double the participation levels over the next two years.
Athletes from all over the world will hopefully 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.
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 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 who have their own category, for those who are competing for the first time and organisers are very committed towards reaching out to sections of the community that are under-represented in the sport.
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”.
Charlotte Wareing, Co-President of the LGBT Powerlifting Union added: “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”.
For more details about the LGBT International Powerlifting Championships and to register for Blackpool 2019, click here:
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