COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (May 1, 2017) – USA Weightlifting, the National Governing Body of Olympic Weightlifting in the United States, is launching nationwide Athlete Development Camps to identify the sport’s rising stars.

Led by Region administrators, USA Weightlifting-affiliated clubs will host 2-day camps for athletes new to the sport of Olympic Weightlifting. Attendees will learn about the Olympic movements, and receive a 12-week program to aid them in their sports performance.

“This is a terrific opportunity to introduce people to the athletic benefits of Olympic Weightlifting,” USA Weightlifting Director of Program Development Suzy Sanchez said.

Once local camps conclude, certain athletes will be selected to participate in Regional and National Camps where the sport’s top coaches will evaluate the athletes’ skill and potential. Then, twice a year, a National Development Squad will be named. The squad will consist of the top ten 17 and under athletes and the top ten Junior & Senior athletes.

“By holding these camps across the country, we will be able to identify and cultivate the future stars of our sport,” Sanchez said.

The Athlete Development Camp program is broken down into 5 regions across the United States. During this trial run, local camps will be held in Regions 1 (West) and 4 (Southeast.)

“I love weightlifting,” Region 4 administrator Matt Bergeron said. “I want to help the sport grow in any way I can.”

“For me, the pathway to grow and develop the sport is looking outside our normal channels to find that special athlete,” Region 1 administrator Chandler Walker said. “I want to showcase it’s a great sport and how it can benefit athletes of any discipline or skill.”

As Region Administrators, Bergeron and Walker will help recruit USA Weightlifting-affiliated clubs to host the camps as well as handle local-level questions about the events. USA Weightlifting Clubs can earn cash rebates by hosting Athlete Development Camps.

For more information about hosting or attending a camp visit our Athlete Development Camps page.

Camp Dates

2017

Jun 1-Aug 31: Local Camps

Sep 23-25: Region 1 camp

Sep 30 – Oct 1: Region 4 camp

Dec 10 – 17: National Camp

2018 & 2019

Dec 1, 2017 – Mar 31: Local Camp

Apr:

May: Regions 1-5 regionals

Jun: National Camp

Jun 1- Sep 30: Local Camps

Oct:

Nov: Regions 1- 5 Regionals

Dec: National Camp

Press Contact

Kevin Farley

kevin.farley@USAWeightlifting.org

719-866-3043

Athlete Contact



Suzy Sanchez