Posting: Interim VP Operations (Executive Board)

April 6, 2021

Job Description: Oversee and bridge administrative, technical and financial projects, and ensure the OWA is meeting various obligations and goals. See OWA By-Laws for more information. 

Term: Until 2021 Annual General Meeting

Key responsibilities:

• Participate in discussions, voting, monthly conference calls, and helping various departments as necessary. 

• Human resources, policy development, bylaws, Quest for Gold and appeal management.

• Conduct site visits as necessary. 

Requirements: 

• Eighteen (18) years of age or older, who is a resident of Canada as defined in the Income Tax Act, who has the power under law to contract, who has not been declared incapable by a court in Canada or in another country, who is a Regular Member of the Corporation in good standing, and who does not have the status of bankrupt. 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• 1 to 2 hours of work per week, spread out in short to long daily intervals.

• Be able to join monthly conference calls when available.

• Be able to travel when possible

Apply: Email your interest to OWA Administrator by April 14, 2021.  Please describe why you're interested in this position and include any related or prior experience. 

2021 Canadian Junior Championships 

March 24, 2021

The OWA would like to thank all the volunteers and Technical Officials, both provincially and nationally, who were involved at the 2021 Canadian Junior Championships. The past year has been challenging, but your continued dedication and support help keep the sport alive! Without you, there would be no competition to speak of. 

A special thank you goes out to our Ontario officials who gave their time, energy and patience: 

Linda Rosario Earnshaw 

Lara Ferretto

Mark Gomes

Mike Miller

Daniel Robitaille

To Canadian Weightlifting Federation, thank you! The challenges that come with adapting and transitioning to new ways of competition is no small feat; nonetheless, this event was a huge success.  

Finally, we want to commend Team Ontario for their outstanding performance. Congratulations to:  

Connor Bazilsky

Keeley Brown

Ryan Chen

Ruth Chouinor

Alexander Clazie

Feras Sharaf Eldin

Naza Grant

Carlene Gagnon Hachey

Emma Jamieson

Brady Killoran

Elita Lajoie 

Griffin Lamarche

Naomie Lusignan

Xavier Lusignan

Elijah Martindale

Kayla Martindale

Brian Periku

Marlowe Robinson

Hannah Rolleman

Alana Santavy

Bradyn Santavy

Maleeka Virtue

Declan Watson

Ethan Yuke

As we reach the end of our season, we want to wish all our members a better and stronger 2021-2022!

Canadian Junior Championships - Team Ontario

March 6, 2021

 The 2021 Canadian Junior Championships hosted by CWFHC will run online through Zoom, on March 20 & 21, 2021.

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A schedule and livestream link will be provided as soon as possible.

Congratulations and good luck to all Team Ontario junior athletes!

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Connor Bazilsky

Feras Sharaf Eldin

Griffin Lamarche

Brian Periku

Ryan Chen

Declan Watson

Xavier Lusignan

Bradyn Santavy

Elijah Martindale

Alexander Clazie

Brady Killoran

Ethan Yuke

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Maleeka Virtue

Marlowe Robinson

Keeley Brown

Charlene Gagnon Hachey

Kayla Martindale

Alana Santavy

Naomie Lusignan

Hannah Rolleman

Ruth Chouinor

Naza Grant

Elita Lajoie

Emma Jamieson

Message from the President

February 24, 2021

Over the last year, the Ontario Weightlifting Association, like many other provincial and national weightlifting associations, has debated the feasibility of hosting their respective championships in this new and foreign landscape.  I have had the opportunity to hear many different perspectives from members all across the province. After announcing our intentions to support an online competition, we have received both praise and legitimate concern about the format's fairness and feasibility.

Like many of you, my club, training, and family life have been dramatically affected by the uncertainty and hardship posed by the pandemic. As an athlete, I feel I will not have time to safely prepare for this competition and deliver a performance that will be personally meaningful. However, over the last year, I have witnessed a fantastic display of resourcefulness in many of our members at maintaining the training level required to compete. I've watched hundreds of athletes setting PR's in their basement/street/garages and humbled at their perseverance and the defiance of circumstance threatening their performance. For those who have expressed concern, we understand and did not make this decision without careful consideration.

This competition will be applicable for Quest for Gold and Team Ontario selection; however, it will not be the only competition. It is in no way a requirement for any Ontario selection process. We will do everything we can to ensure we have the best team for Senior nationals and provide a fair opportunity for all athletes to participate in the funding selection process.

I've heard loud and clear that no athlete wants to pay $100 to lift in the garage. I adamantly agree. Entry fees will be as small as possible, and we will find a way to give any surplus back to the community.

The Ontario Weightlifting Association has chosen to fulfill its national constitution requirement: holding an annual provincial championship. We will use an online format to host our Championships while maintaining our membership's health and safety. Ontario has witnessed many Ontario Championships where some athletes and clubs have been unable to attend. The legitimacy of those competitions has never been disputed. Still, this competition will be remembered as an anomaly and independently ranked as we try to make amends with the new reality COVID has brought us. 

For some athletes, this competition will be the bitter end to our 2020/2021 season; for many others, this competition will be an exciting opportunity to feel some normalcy and connection with a community we have all had to do without for some time now. Regardless of perspective, on April 1st, we can begin anew with the 2021/2022 season and work towards rebuilding our coaches, clubs, technical officials. Most importantly, we'll have the opportunity to make a more inclusive, athlete-centric competition calendar with clear objectives for all streams of weightlifting.  

This year has been immensely difficult for all of us. We've all had to make challenging, imperfect decisions to do the best we can in time in this time of incredible hardship and uncertainty. While we understand that we cannot please everyone with the decision we have made, know that we have made it with you, the community, in mind. 

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Mike Miller

2021 Ontario Masters Open - Postponed

January 12, 2020

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Government of Ontario lock-down, the 2021 Ontario Masters Open scheduled on February 27-28 has been postponed to a later date. 

2020 Commonwealth Rankings

January 5, 2020

The 2020 Commonwealth Weightlifting Rankings have been released.

Congratulations to the following OWA athletes for ranking among the Top 25 per weight class among Commonwealth countries!

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Men

Nikolay Varbanov
Frank Longo
Noah Santavy
Boady Santavy
Richard Davidson
Patrick Boileau

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Women

Amanda Braddock
Jaclyn Maxwell
Kalie Shanahan
Megan Trupp
Maya Laylor
Marie-Eve Beauchemin-Nadeau
Shania Bedward
Julia Ryan

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Full ranking list can be found on our international results page here.

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Statement regarding Code of Conduct Violations

December 22, 2020

The OWA acknowledges it has received complaints about a coach whose actions could be in violation of the OWA's code of conduct. The OWA is a proud member of True Sport. We stand committed to the principles of respect and equality as cornerstones to creating our sporting experience, both on and off the field of play.

If you have witnessed or been subjected to any activity which you feel is inconsistent with our code of conduct, please contact the OWA President directly, at president@onweighltifting.ca. Any coercion or bullying of any member reporting ethical issues will be immediately dealt with.   

All members of the OWA are entitled to due process and the OWA will continue to investigate infractions in a fair and consistent manner.

Gender Equity Committee

December 18, 2020

We are pleased to announce the working group for our new committee!

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Chair: Nicolas Munro

Sarah Lakhan

Nichole Lee

Brendan Shaffick

Anna Zinenko

U15 Pan American Championships - Online

December 12 - 18, 2020

Good luck to OWA athletes competing in the 15 & Under Pan American Championships, taking place virtually between December 12 - 18th!

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Marlowe Robinson

Declan Watson

Elita Lajoie

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Livestream and archived sessions can be viewed here.

Ontario Youth/Junior and Senior Championships Postponed

November 26, 2020

See memo from the President. 

2021 WADA Prohibited List 

November 25, 2020

The OWA provides athletes and support personnel with information about the prohibited status of specific medications based on the current World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List.

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The 2021 Prohibited List as well as the Summary of Modifications to the previous list will take effect January 1, 2021.

Article: "Some heavy lifting helps make local weightlifting tournament happen"

November 5, 2020

The OWA is proud to have run the first sanctioned competition of the 2020/2021 season, the Richard Borden Memorial!

Thanks to the help of Vault Barbell Club and many volunteers, the event was run safely and successfully at the Delta Hotel & Conference Centre in Guelph, ON. 

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Read more about what went into organizing this event here!

Ontario Youth/Junior and Senior Championships - Location Change

November 11, 2020

This competition will be hosted by The Vault Barbell at Delta Hotels by Marriott Guelph Conference Centre, 50 Stone Road West, Guelph. 

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See Upcoming Events page for more information.

Call Out: Gender Equity Committee

November 5, 2020

We are looking for five (5) members, with at least two (2) female representation, for this new committee. The committee’s purpose is to raise awareness and understanding of gender equity as it relates to high performance, governance, and general membership.

Scope

• Aid in developing a gender equity policy for the OWA.

• Ensure that gender equity is followed when developing, updating or delivering OWA programs, policies and materials.

• Consult with other committees and officers regarding gender equity.

• Promote awareness and provide education on gender equity.

• Report to membership at AGM.

• Ontario Weightlifting board may delegate other responsibilities as they see fit.

If interested, please contact Administrator at by November 30th.

Welcome: Bethany, Nikkie and John

November 02, 2020

The OWA is pleased to announce the following members who will be manaing our social media network. 

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Social Media Admnistrator - Engagement

Bethany Wilson

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Social Media Administrators - Communication

Nikkie Quero

John Florento

COVID-19 Protocols

October 07, 2020

Message from Mike Miller - OWA President

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We're getting messages indicating there are pockets of non-compliance regarding masks, social distancing, and sanitization. Please consider Weightlifting, CrossFit, Powerlifting, and Bodybuilding are often grouped together in the media. Gym infractions could have an effect on strength sports across Ontario regardless of their location or field. We must work together in our facilities to remain safe and open.

Lifetime Achievement Award

October 01, 2020

The Ontario Weightlifting Association Lifetime Achievement Award was established in order to recognize the contribution of longstanding OWA members. The award is presented to all eligible members for their ongoing dedication and continued commitment to the sport of weightlifting and the advancement of the Ontario Weightlifting Association. The Lifetime Achievement Award consists of both the 25-Year Club and the 35-Year Club and is presented annually at the Ontario Championships.

The OWA is now accepting nominations to the 25-Year Club and 35-Year-Club. Eligible members normally must be nominated 60 days prior to Ontario Championships, either by an OWA member/club or by self-nominating. Nominations consist of an email/letter stating the candidate’s name, club, first year of OWA membership and a brief history of contribution.

Please send any nominations to the Executive Board c/o Lana for verification and approval by October 8, 2020.

2020 Ontario Senior/Junior/Youth Championships

September 28, 2020

Exciting news!

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The 2020 Ontario Senior Championships and 2020 Ontario Junior Championships have been planned as a combined two-day event on December 5 & 6, 2020.

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The competitions will be held on the same weekend to reduce travel and set up requirements for volunteers, officials, athletes and coaches.

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Due to the interruption of the competition year in 2020, qualifying totals for the 2020 Ontario Senior Championships will not be in effect. However, in response to gathering limits and distancing considerations, competition registration will be capped. An invitation process will determine registration at this event. Junior athletes will not be subject to this invitation process and all Junior athletes will be invited to participate. Please note that athletes hoping to qualify for 2021 Canadian Junior Championships must compete at the 2020 Ontario Junior Championships.  

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Declarations for intent to compete are due November 1, 2020.

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Please review the invitation process carefully as deadlines for athletes apply. Any questions on the invitation process should be directed to Amanda .

Return to Competition - COVID-19

September 21, 2020

The OWA has created a document outlining considerations for a return to competition in the 2020/2021 season. 

This document is intended to be a resource for competition organizers when planning a sanctioned or club competition. It also outlines athlete, coach and Technical Official responsibilities at all future OWA meets until further notice.

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Please review it and direct any questions or comments to competition@onweightlifting.ca.

Call Out: Social Media Administrators

September 03, 2020

The OWA is seeking for two volunteers to manage our social media network. The selected candidates will work collaboratively to promote and market weightlifting and the OWA, and to engage, celebrate, and communicate with OWA members.

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Social Media Administrator - Engagement

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Description: To promote the sport of weightlifting, market the OWA, and to engage and celebrate the OWA community. This position requires a weekly commitment of up to 5 hours per week. 

Term: One-year contract 

Key responsibilities:

• Develop and run special engagement initiatives to promote OWA athletes (e.g. cover photo contest, athlete profiles or Q&As, OWA board member profiles or Q&As)

• In collaboration with Competition Administrator, provide coverage of OWA competitions (CA will live stream; Social Media volunteer will re-share athletes’ stories and photos)

• Provide coverage of OWA athletes competing at national and international events (e.g. re-share athletes’ videos and stories and photos, post results).

• Post relevant articles (e.g. news media coverage of the sport).

• In collaboration with the Social Media - Engagement volunteer and OWA Administrators. 

• Implement new marketing strategy across all social media platforms.

Social Media Administrator - Communications

Description: To communicate regularly with OWA members about competitions and other OWA business. This position requires daily commitment from 15 minutes to 1 hour per day.

Term: One-year contract  

Key responsibilities:

• Post regular website, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter updates to communicate competition information/news, course information, and other official OWA business. 

• Respond to direct/private messages on all Social Media accounts.

• Monitor accounts daily for comments and handle comments that violate OWA policy.

• In collaboration with the Social Media - Engagement volunteer and OWA Administrators. 

Requirements for both volunteer positions:

Must be from Ontario and willing to become a member with the Ontario Weightlifting Association. Minimum volunteer membership required. See Membership Policy.

Email your interest to OWA Administrator by Friday September 11, 2020.

Thank you, Stella.

August 31, 2020

We’d like to take this opportunity to thank Stella Ng for all her hard work and commitment to the OWA since November 2018. She’s been an integral part of the team as our volunteer Social Media Administrator – Engagement and she will surely be missed. All the best, Stella!

Update - 2019/2020 Dotmar/Eleiko Club Challenge

August 04, 2020

Due to the COVID-19 shutdown resulting in the cancellation of the May and August Club Challenge weekends, the 2019/2020 OCC season has been extended, and the 2020/2021 season modified to allow clubs four Club Challenge Weekends per season, in which to compete and qualify.

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The new dates for the two remaining OCC weekends will be:

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2019/2020 Season OCC #3 -  September 18-20, 2020

2019/2020 Season OCC #4 -  November 13-15, 2020 (end of season)

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These dates are subject to change, depending on information from the Government of Ontario regarding any further shutdowns or restrictions.

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More details to follow on Return to Competition Guidelines and the status of the 2020 Ontario Senior Championships.

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Please continue to refer to the Club Challenge page for details on holding a club challenge, current standings and past results.

OWA Return to Training

June 03, 2020

The OWA Executive Board highly recommends all members to review the attached documents. These documents are intended to aid in formulating procedures and policies to return safely to training. Each club/facility is required to create its own health and safety protocols that comply with the Chief Medical Officer of Health’s recommendations. Efforts must be taken to protect all your members and follow the public health authority guidelines at the federal, provincial, municipal level. In preparation for reopening, we've also included the COVID-19 Risk Assessment Tool for Return to Sport, which was developed in partnership with Own the Podium and the Chief Medical Officers of the COC, CPC and the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Sport Institute Network.

Ultimately, it is up to each club to determine whether they can reopen under the required conditions as set out by the Emergency Order.

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Statement from the President

Considerations for Return to Training 

COVID-19 Risk Assessment Tool for Return to Sport

2020 Canadian Senior Weightlifting Championships

June 02, 2020

Following consultations with the PSOs and Sport Canada, the CWFHC regrets to announce the cancellation of the 2020 Canadian Senior Weightlifting Championships due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The continuing social distancing guidelines and limits of gathering sizes for groups across Canada leave little if any opportunity to reschedule the event without putting athletes, coaches, TOs and volunteers at risk and causing significant disruption to the 2020/21 calendar. The CWFHC will continue to work closely with our partners at Own the Podium, the Canadian Olympic Committee, and the IWF to develop guidelines for a safe return to sport. We thank you for your perseverance in these most unusual times. 

Craig Walker - President
Richard Mason - Vice President, Administration
Don MacNeill - Vice President, Technical
Aaleem Patel - Secretary-Treasurer

Ontario Coaching Excellence Awards

April 22, 2020

Know a great coach? Nominations now open for the Ontario Coaching Excellence Awards!

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The Ontario Coaching Excellence Awards celebrates the dedication and commitment of Ontario’s great coaches. The Awards recognize the importance of leadership, performance and the value of human insight which are all integral to great coaching.

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Nominations close May 29, 2020

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Complete the nomination form at: https://www.coachesontario.ca/events/awards/

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Coaches are celebrated during National Coaches Week (September 19-27, 2020) at the Ontario Coaching Excellence Awards scheduled for September 19, 2020.

2019/2020 Quest for Gold

April 08, 2020

The DRAFT list of nominated athletes for the 2019/2020 carding cycle is now posted. 

2020/2021 Season

April 06, 2020

All 2019/2020 memberships have been extended until the first OWA-sanctioned event is confirmed for the 2020/2021 season. The 2020/2021 membership forms will be made available once the first competition is scheduled. If you have any questions, contact Administrator.