USAWA

by Steve Gardner

2014 IAWA World All Round Weightlifting Championships

Norwood, Massachusetts USA September 27th and 28th

Promoter: Frank Ciavattone Snr

The 28th Annual IAWA World Championships was an outstanding success, due in no small part to the work undertaken by the promoter ‘Big Frank’ and his willing team of supporters and helpers…known as ‘Franks Barbell Club’. After a wonderful get together on the Friday evening the IAWA World Council Meeting took place at the Old Colonial Hotel in Norwood, where all the business of IAWA was addressed in good fashion with IAWA International President: Al Myers Chairing the meeting. At 8am on Saturday morning the weigh in was open with Steve Gardner, Denny Habecker and George Dick taking care of business in that Department. When all at the score table were ready (where Steve Gardner and Al Myers performed the announcing duties, assisted with scoring by Judy Habecker and Chris Bass) the lifters for Group One were introduced to the audience and the lifting began at 10am sharp. Group one sailed through and at 1.30pm Group two were introduced, and the lifting was completed by 4.30pm. That the lifting went through so smooth was also aided by the great job undertaken by the loaders! Day two’s lifting followed the same format and lifting was complete by 4pm.

The lifting over the weekend was absolutely fantastic. A mix of new lifters to the IAWA platform alongside seasoned World Championships proved to be a winning formula with many outstanding performances. The Junior ranks were represented by two young men that I cannot say enough about, Matt Triatti and Matt Hancock lifted ‘out of their boots’ and were a credit to coach Frank C. Two young men with a big future in all round lifting for sure. The ladies division was exciting too, Paula Thompson lifted very well and showed great form as she went on to score the best amended total followed by Karen Gardner. I can say (and I know this for sure) it is the best performance Karen has put on since her Breast Cancer Surgery and as she continues her recovery treatment it is great to see her getting back closer to her previous lifting ability. Jessica Hopps was great, very keen and a strong girl too, in her first major tournament she lifted like a seasoned professional, with Susan Sees lifting stronger than ever, it was great to see Bob Geibs gleaming face as he said ‘shes a strong girl aint she!’. Colleen Lane looked so happy as she performed, smiling through out and putting on a good display, as well as being there to help partner Frank in running the whole show!

The Senior Masters showed everyone the way to go, with superb performances from our 80 plus lifters Dennis Mitchell and Dick Durante, and of course the ever impressive Art Montini still forging ahead at 86 years young. Denny Habecker and Bob Geib represented the 70 plus division with style and several new records between them. In the 60 plus division there was also great lifting from George Dick and Steve Sherwood, and Steve just rolls on like a machine putting out great numbers and to good effect too! In the 50 plus groups we had Dave Ellis, it was great to see him back lifting after 18 years, and Big Frank the promoter pulled some big lifts to please the crowd, and Steve Gardner took to the platform in a rare appearance these days to support his friend Big Frank (and despite lifting in a lesser capacity these days, got to say I really enjoyed it). The 40 plus Masters were a real hot bed of power, we had Joe Ciavattone Snr putting it out there along with the very strong trio of James Fuller, Al Myers and Chad Ullom who put together the biggest total of the meet. The Open Division was a strong contest between John Mahon, Sam Trew, Frankie Ciavattone Jnr, Jim Delaney, Jeff Ciavattone and Joe Ciavattone Jnr, with Joe Jnr coming out on top ahead of Jeff Ciavattone, with great lifting from all. The 2014 World Championships was ‘one of the best’ Well done big Frank!

The presentation of the Awards took place at the Old Colonial Hotel on the Sunday evening following a sumptuous Banquet, it was a terrific occasion with such a lot to applaud, Frank had one of the Town Selectmen there to assist him and Colleen, and also Kathy Triatti who had been a big support to Frank. After the Championships Awards there was a very special presentation, as two IAWA members received the coveted ‘IAWA Award of Merit’ this had only been presented twice before, and it is IAWA’s highest award. The Awards were made for personal endeavour, continued hard work and support of the organisation over many years. The first award was presented by Steve Gardner to Frank Allen from Liecester, England, and the second award was presented by Al Myers to Frank Ciavattone Snr. Of East Walpole Massachusetts, USA. After the speeches and presentations were made, there was not a dry eye in the house as the occasion touched everyone emotionally. A truly inspiring occasion. I for one will not forget our weekend in Norwood, and the IAWA family now looks ahead to Scotland in 2015 – Long Live IAWA!

MEET RESULTS (PDF) – IAWA 2014 WORLD RESULTS

BEST LIFTERS (PDF) – HONOURS BOARD