BWL | New Para Powerlifitng Grand Prix

British Weight Lifting (BWL) is launching a new Para Powerlifting Grand Prix Series for the 2026–27 season.

Built into the existing competition calendar, the Series creates a season-long journey for athletes, with points earned across four national events and an overall Grand Prix winner crowned at the British Championships in 2027.

It’s not a new standalone competition. Instead, it adds a new level of competition to events athletes already know and enjoy. Every competition becomes part of a bigger story. Every lift can help shape the final standings.

For athletes thinking about entering their first para powerlifting competition, there’s never been a better time to get involved.

The Series begins in September 2026 and runs across four national competitions:

At each event, athletes will earn Grand Prix points based on their best competition lift.

Points are calculated using the internationally recognised Dots formula, which compares performances across different body weights. That means athletes are rewarded for performance and improvement, regardless of weight category.

The existing competition structure remains unchanged. Athletes will still compete for medals within their bodyweight categories and championship placings.

Alongside this, Grand Prix medals and points will be awarded to athletes who are not part of the Para Powerlifting World Class Programme or performance pathway. This gives more athletes the chance to compete for season-long recognition and rewards.

Athletes must compete in at least two rounds to qualify for the final Grand Prix standings.

Each competition performance contributes to an athlete’s running total.

Here’s an example:

This means athletes can continue to build points throughout the season, even if they can’t attend every event.

Competition experience is one of the best ways for athletes to develop.

The Grand Prix Series creates a clear season structure, giving athletes regular opportunities to test themselves, track their progress and build confidence on the platform.

Instead of training towards a single championship, athletes can now target multiple events throughout the year and follow their progress in a national standings table.

Every competition matters. Every lift counts.

The Series also helps create more opportunities for development athletes to gain meaningful competition experience, while building excitement throughout the season.

The Grand Prix Series has been designed for athletes who are building their competition experience.

Whether you’re entering your first competition, returning to the sport, or looking to compete more regularly, the Series provides a clear pathway through the season.

• You don’t need to win competitions to climb the standings.
• Consistent improvement can earn valuable Grand Prix points.
• The Series runs across four events, giving athletes time to prepare and develop.
• You’ll gain experience competing throughout the year.
• The British Championships becomes the season finale, where the overall Grand Prix winners will be recognised.

The Grand Prix Series gives athletes and coaches clear milestones across the year.

Athletes can focus on making a strong start at the Home Nations Open in September, build momentum through the English Championships in December, push for points in March, and aim for their best performance at the British Championships.

It’s a structure that rewards commitment, consistency and progress.

Most importantly, it gives para powerlifters a season to be part of.

Registration for the Grand Prix Series will open before Round 1 at the Home Nations Open on 12–13 September 2026.

To take part, athletes must:

• Hold a current British Weight Lifting membership.
• Enter the Home Nations Open through Sport80.
• Register for the Grand Prix Series when entries open.

We’ll share full registration details ahead of the opening round.

The Para Powerlifting Grand Prix Series starts on 12 September 2026.

To get started:

• Become a British Weight Lifting member at britishweightlifting.org.
• Enter the Home Nations Open via Sport80.
• Look out for Grand Prix registration details in the coming months.

Questions? Contact ben.richens@britishweightlifting.org.