Abraham, Williams earn historic IPF Coaching qualifications

Guyana’s powerlifting programme received a major technical boost on Saturday, September 19, when Ashlie Abraham and Bjorn Williams successfully completed the International Powerlifting Federation’s (IPF) Level II Coaches Course in Santiago, Chile.

It marked the first time in the sport’s local history that two Guyana-based Coaches, including a woman, completed the advanced programme.
Abraham and Williams have joined United States-based Kerma Singh as Guyana’s three IPF-trained Level II Coaches. Singh completed the programme last year after successfully finishing the Basic Course one year earlier.
The Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPF) said its investment in technical development is part of a deliberate effort to strengthen the knowledge and capabilities of local trainers.
The federation wants Guyanese athletes to receive guidance based on modern and scientific training principles while remaining informed about changing trends within the sport.
The intensive course covered squat, bench press and deadlift theory, along with training and planning, sport psychology, referee rules, Coaching responsibilities, nutrition, sports management, anti-doping and stretching. Practical sessions were also included.
Abraham described the programme as dense and comprehensive. She said it was an honour to learn from renowned Coaches Dietmar Wolf and Pjotr van den Hoek and indicated that she intends to use the knowledge gained to help develop women’s strength and powerlifting in Guyana.
Williams said the course was timely and featured a detailed and demanding syllabus. He praised the facilitators for delivering the material in an effective and engaging manner while encouraging participants to share their knowledge.
Williams added that the content could contribute to the further development of powerlifting across the region. He is now motivated to share what he learned with other Coaches who are willing to improve their skills.
“This is a watershed moment for local powerlifting,” Williams said, adding that the sport can continue to progress with sustained support from its stakeholders.
The federation also acknowledged the many Coaches who have worked tirelessly with athletes over the years and believes they should be given opportunities to access IPF Coaching programmes.
More Coaches could soon benefit, with the IPF preparing to introduce a basic course for all its member nations. The initiative is intended to ensure that athletes receive high-quality guidance in their respective gyms.
The GAPLF thanked the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, the National Sports Commission, the Guyana Olympic Association, Space Gym and its other supporters for helping to make the achievement possible.