Created: Apr 23, 2026 02:37 PM (Updated: Apr 23, 2026 02:37 PM)
There is an extra incentive for athletes competing at the Bermuda Powerlifting Association’s National Championship next month.
For the first time participants will have the opportunity to earn the right to represent Bermuda at the North American Powerlifting Federation Championships in Newfoundland this summer.
A total of 16 spots (eight men and eight women) will be up for grabs, with the respective weight-class winners earning automatic qualification and the remaining qualifiers to be determined according to the international powerlifting scoring system.
Athletes will compete in the squat, bench press and dead-lift disciplines at the National Championships, which will be held at Beast Gym on May 3.
It is the second time the BPA are hosting the championship but first since becoming a member of the International Powerlifting Federation.
The event aligns with the BPA’s vision of building a legitimate platform for the sport locally, while providing opportunities for athletes to also compete internationally.
“BPA remains focused on building a strong community and creating opportunities for athletes at all levels, from first-time competitors to those aiming to represent Bermuda abroad,” BPA president Brittany Denbrook told The Royal Gazette
“BPA was founded in 2024 with a simple goal: to create a structured, supportive pathway for strength athletes in Bermuda.
“The vision was to build a legitimate platform for the sport locally while connecting athletes to international opportunities.
“To get started, BPA hosted a dead lift-only event, choosing the most popular and accessible lift to introduce powerlifting to a wider audience. The response confirmed strong interest and highlighted the potential for growth.
“Since then, significant work has gone into building BPA into what it is today. This has included developing policies, organising competitions, securing sponsorship and investing in proper equipment.
“Behind the scenes, the association has been driven by a small but dedicated group of volunteers, athletes and supporters who have committed their time and energy to making powerlifting sustainable in Bermuda.”
According to Denbrook, that effort is already “paying off” as the association has strengthened its ability to operate and give back to the community in becoming a registered charity in addition to securing IPF membership to align Bermuda with the global standard of the sport while paving the way for athletes to compete internationally.
A “major focus” for the BPA has been the investment in competition-standard equipment.
“The association now owns the first official combo rack on the island, designed specifically for powerlifting to allow efficient and safe adjustments between lifters during competition,” Denbrook said.
“BPA is also working to expand its set of calibrated kilo plates, which are essential for accuracy, consistency and preparing athletes for international competition.”
The association’s executive committee also consists of vice-president David Henry, treasurer Liza Kolesnik-Maypa and secretary Ashton Easton.
For more details on the association and upcoming national power lifting championship e-mail info@bermudapowerlifting.com or check out Bermudapowerlifting.com or Instagram page @BermudaPowerlifting.
