Hi Everyone,
Happy New Year! We are off to a great start already, as the first competition of the year sold out 2 weeks early at 70 lifters! It's been several years since we have had a competition this large, and it will be exciting to have everyone back at 306 Weightlifting on Feb 11.
I also want to thank everyone again for coming to the AGM and Town Hall in December. The new Board has already started work on a few exciting initiatives based on the feedback and made a few changes at our first Board meeting last weekend. I look forward to continuing to move forward with the new team and finding ways to grow the SWA.
Announcements:
Board Changes: After multiple terms with the SWA Board as a Member-at-Large, Vice-President, and for a short time as President, Kelly Brown has decided to step down as Vice-President and vacate his position on the SWA Board. We want to take this opportunity to thank Kelly for all of his work over the last few years as we have worked to restructure the SWA and bring in many new changes. Kelly has done a lot for the SWA and, on many occasions, kept the organization functioning when it otherwise would not have. We look forward to seeing Kelly continue supporting and growing the SWA Adaptive program he has developed in partnership with Saskatoon Autism Services. We'd also like to thank Tanner Treen for accepting the nomination to Vice-President by the SWA. At this time, we expect Tanner to serve in the new role until AGM 2023, but this is an ongoing discussion within the Board.
Open Member-at-Large Board Position: As a result of Tanner's nomination to VP, a Member-at-Large position is now vacant. The Board will discuss how to address this vacancy and consider appointing someone to the role at our next Board Meeting on Feb 12. If you are interested in being considered for this position until AGM 2023, please email me (Lucas King, pres@saskweightlifting.com) by Feb 5. If the position is filled, priority will likely be given to someone from outside of Saskatoon and/or representing a group, skill set, or perspective that the Board lacks.
SWA Town Hall Mon, Jan 30 from 6:30-7:30 pm: Open Q&A discussion with no formal agenda. A Zoom link will be distributed by email and posted on the website during the day on Jan 30.
Officials Compensation: Certified Officials will now receive $20 per session for officiating at SWA competitions. This is an evolving change that will be updated throughout the season.
Casual Competitions or Athletes: We are working on creating a new stream of competitions that will be streamlined and targeted towards newer and more casual athletes. This is an evolving concept we hope to roll out to a limited extent this season and more fully during the 2023-2024 season.
New Information:
Training Center Membership Program: This document was approved by the SWA Board on Jan 8, 2023. It is the same document distributed previously with the addition of a minimum of $20 per member in MAP funding for each Training Center meeting the document criteria.
Canadian Youth Worlds Team looking for Team Lead: The deadline for Expression of Interest is Feb 1, 2023. See attached CWF Memo for more information.
NCCP Competition Introduction Coaching Course: The SWA plans to hold an NCCP Competition Introduction course soon. This will cover the theoretical and practical components of the Competition Introduction certification. If you or anyone you know are interested in becoming a Coach, please email Dwayne Dreher (edir@saskweightlifting.com) to be added to the contact list for upcoming courses. These courses may be paid for using Training Centre MAP funding.
Reminders:
Online Officials Course, Level 4, Next Jan 28 or 29: The SWA Officials Committee plans to conduct online Level 4 Technical Officials certification courses ~2 weeks before each major SWA competition in 2023. These will cover the theoretical and practical components of the Level 4 Technical Official certification. If you or anyone you know are interested in becoming a Technical Official, please email offcls@saskweightlifting.com to be added to the contact list for upcoming courses.
Saskatchewan Winter Games: If you are interested in competing (youth and junior) or being considered as a Coach or Manager in your region for the 2023 Saskatchewan Winter Games from Feb 19-22 in Regina, please contact Ken Trofimuk (Kenbod@saskweightlifting.com) or Dwayne Dreher (edir@saskweightlifting.com).
Criminal Record Checks for Coaches and Volunteers (Letter): If you are due for an updated Criminal Record Check, or have not completed one, and are actively coaching, officiating, or volunteering with the SWA, please remember to complete yours and submit the letter to Dwayne (edir@saskweightlifting.com) as soon as you can. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Dwayne (edir@saskweightlifting.com).
2022-2023 SWA Rankings, Certificates, & SWA Records: These are up-to-date with local results. If there are any errors or omissions, please let me know.
2022-2023 Schedule & Competition Updates:
Masters Provincials hosted by 306 Weightlifting is SOLD OUT at 70 lifters. No additional spots will be made available.
Timelines for Sr Provincials (Mar 25) have changed:
Registration opens for Qualified (Achieved Qualifying total): Jan 27
Registration opens for Waitlist Qualified (Achieved waitlist total): Feb 19
Registration closes: Feb 26
Late registration closes: Mar 5 (Fees: Regular fee + $100)
Reminder: All competitions (Other than the Winter Games) will be organized by entry total. Please remember to input a recent competition or training total with registration.
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
All the best,
Lucas King, 2Lt. BKIN. MBA
President, Saskatchewan Weightlifting Association