100% RAW Powerlifting Debuts World Championships in Erie

The Erie Sports Commission is pleased to announce the 100% RAW Powerlifting Federation will host its 2016 World Championships in Erie. The event, which is coming to Erie for the first time, will be held October 7-9 at the Bayfront Convention Center.

Paul Bossi, President of 100% RAW Powerlifting Federation, anticipates athletes from Israel, India, Ukraine, South Africa, Italy and Canada will travel to Erie for the competition, in addition to a vast field from the United States. Between 300 and 400 competitors are expected.

The event is open to all members of the Federation who have competed and placed in the top five in a qualifying 100% RAW Powerlifting Federation competition between 2014 and 2016.

Competitors at the World Championships are separated into men’s and women’s divisions where they will compete in age and weight classes. The Powerlifting Division consists of a combination of squat, bench, and deadlift for a total amount of weight lifted. Divisions will include Open (25-34), Youth (11 and under), Teen (12-19), Junior (20-24), Sub-Master (35-39) and Master groups starting at 40 years old in 5 year increments. The competition will be urinalysis drug tested to ensure an even competition field.

The 100% RAW Powerlifting Federation World Championships have been held in several cities in the past, including Las Vegas, Orlando, Virginia Beach, and Washington, DC, among others.

“When the Erie Sports Commission first brought me to Erie to tour its facilities, I was blown away, and I know my members will be as well,” said Bossi. “My expectation is for hundreds of our members to travel to Erie with their families, enjoy all the city offers, and watch a clean competition where we’ll determine who is the best lifter in the world!”

“Paul has done an impressive job building the 100% RAW Powerlifting Federation into a worldwide organization, all founded upon his own beliefs as a lifter,” said Ron Sertz, Executive Director of the Erie Sports Commission. “We’re thrilled he has decided to host this event in Erie and eager to welcome the world’s best to our city.”

Established in 1999, 100% RAW Powerlifting Federation aims to showcase power lifters safely competing with no special support equipment or performance-enhancing drugs. Since that time, the Federation has grown to establish a presence in 13 countries worldwide, and its membership exceeds 10,000.

For more information, visit www.rawpowerlifting.com.

The Erie Sports Commission is committed to promoting the Erie region as a prime destination for sports and recreation. The major goals of the ESC are to attract, create, support, and host sporting and recreational events that have a positive economic impact on the region, and assist in maximizing the potential of all regional sports facilities and venues. The ESC strives to enhance the image of Erie by showcasing the community, promote wellness through healthy lifestyles, and improve the quality of life for community members of all ages.