Greetings.
With 2024 coming to the end we reflect on the World Outdoor Championships in Mannheim.
It was great to see such a big entry in the weight categories and the participating of new countries, as well as representatives observing the event.
As you are aware the Championship in Mannheim was the qualification for the 2025 World Games in Chengdu, China. The focus was on the three weight classes Men 640kg, Women 500kg and Senior Mix 580kg, with the top (6) countries in each weight going forward. The criteria from the IWGA (International World Games Association) stated that we must have (2) two continents in each weight and an overall representation from (3) three contininents. During Congress in Nottingham the Ccuntries voted in favour on the process of acceptance and elimination to fulfill the criteria.
Thanks to all involved we have now reached our final selection, which has been announced to all member countries.
I want to take this opportunity to wish all the representing countries the best of luck in the 2025 World Games.
A further reflection on Mannheim, again we were faced with challenges on a daily basis, ground conditions, large number of entries, and many weight classes, which cause very long days of competition. Thankfully with everyone’s help and support we successfully completed the program each day.
Going forward it is obvious that changes will have to happen, to make the sport more enjoyable and attractive for everyone.
Therefore I suggest before the next Congress, that everyone take time to reflect and think about the future, whatever decisions we have to make. There is no point in approaching members of the Exco and saying the day is too long, the Exco are only elected representatives that the countries elected to fill the board positions.
It is certainly not enjoyable when you leave your hotel at 6.15 in the morning and not return until 21.00 that night.
Yours in Sport
Dan Mc Carthy President TWIF.