PCYC BELMORE INTO LIFTING WEIGHTS

Don’t be surprised if a future Olympic champion in weightlifting springs up from the unlikeliest of places – Police Citizens Youth Clubs (PCYC) Belmore.

A $20,000 grant from Canterbury League Club will see one of the rooms at PCYC Belmore converted into a brand new weightlifting area complete with weights, bars and platforms.

“PCYC Belmore prides itself on understanding and supporting our local community, and trying to find new and exciting activities to provide on top of the standard ones. We were very excited by the opportunity to offer Olympic Weightlifting when we were first approached by the trainers [with the idea],” said Demetra Proestos, Belmore PCYC Manager.

Head trainer Andrew Ciancio, who placed second in his 105kg category at a recent tournament hosted by the Oceania Weightlifting Federation will be in charge of running the program for up to 20 participants.

The Olympic Weightlifting Club will train four to five times a week and is open to both males and females from children to adults.

“The ultimate goal would be for our participants to reach a level where they can qualify to represent Australia in the Commonwealth Games and Olympics and bring home gold medals,” said Proestos.

“Canterbury League Club is excited to partner with PCYC Belmore, particularly with them being located just across the road from us. Our sponsorship will hopefully help more kids get active and interested in sports,” said Dr George Peponis OAM, President of Canterbury League Club.