EPF INFO DECEMBER 1999

Original document in Word 97 format
1. End of Year/Century/Millenium
2. 1999 Women's Powerlifting Championships
3. EPF Calendar
4. Other Business

1. End of Year/Century/Millenium

1999 is nearly over, and 2000 is not only another year, it is the beginning of a new millenium. I hope that the New Year will also mark a fresh start for powerlifting.

I would like to thank everyone from all the Federations for their cooperation during the years I have been EPF General Secretary. I hope this spirit of cooperation will continue as long as I remain in this position. I will continue to work for you and our beloved sport of powerlifting, providing my health allows.

I would also like to thank all my colleagues on the EPF executive committee, who have worked closely with me during the last year. I hope we can continue in the same way for many more years.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy and successful New Year.

2. 1999 Women's European Powerlifting Championships

The 1999 Women's Europeans was not as good a championship as it could have been. The venue was acceptable, and the standard of lifting was excellent, but the event was marred by the absence of the French doping control officials. Consequently, despite many records being broken, none could be ratified due to the lack of drug testing. Also, there was no doping control in the competition itself. In all the years I have been General Secretary this has never happened. The lack of doping control is clearly unacceptable, and the EPF is making a major protest to the both the French Federation and the French sports ministry.

In addition to the absence of drug testing, the transport at the championships was also a problem. The official bus was often late and failed to turn-up to take people to the banquet. I tried to help but I am limited in what I can do. I apologise to you all for the inconvenience. As far as transport is concerned, I feel it is better not to use large buses with normal drivers. The transport arrangements for the Trento championships were far better, with minibuses driven by members of the organising committee.

3. EPF Calendar

IPF/EPF Calendar

Note that 2000 European Masters Powerlifting Championships have been withdrawn from the Belarus Federation. I was in Belarus and I found a very good Hotel for $45 per double-room, with a good venue nearby. However, during a meeting with the Minister for Sport, I was told that each competitor would have to pay $35 per day to the Sports Ministry or the championships would not be cancelled. Vladimir Burinsky and myself continued to negotiate with the Sports Ministry but last week we were told given an ultimatum that with no $US there would be no championships. Consequently, we need another Organiser for the 2000 European Masters.

4. Other Business

Heiner Köberich, EPF Secretary. Edited for the Internet by David Hinchley.
| David Hinchley 18 Jan 2000