The Oceania Weightlifting Federation’s Oceania Talent Identification Program (OTIP) is set to venture into Fiji beyond its traditional setting at the Oceania Weightlifting Institute.
Previously under the exclusive stewardship of Paul Coffa from Australia, this year marks a significant shift as the program will be organised, coordinated and facilitated by the President of Weightlifting Fiji, Della Shaw.
In a symbolic handover, Coffa has engaged in extensive consultations with Weightlifting Fiji National Coach Henry Elder and Shaw to ensure a seamless transition for the OTIP program.
She will take charge of the event with the valuable assistance of Luisa Peters, the former President and current National Coach of the Cook Islands Weightlifting Federation and the International Weightlifting Federation’s Athletes Rep.
The ground breaking move brings together 13 promising athletes from eight countries within the Oceania region while this year’s program introduces a division into Southern Oceania and Northern Oceania OTIP programs, with the Southern program hosted in Fiji under Shaw’s capable direction.
Expressing his confidence in Fiji, Paul stated the OTIP program has been instrumental in identifying and nurturing the most talented youth lifters in the Oceania Region.
“Over the years, it has been a primary source for recruiting athletes for training at the Oceania Institute. I am delighted to hand over the reins to Della Shaw, my former athlete, knowing that the program is in capable hands.”
As the host nation, Fiji has the privilege of extra entries while other participating nations will be represented by one entry each.
The program, scheduled from the 10 to 18 of this month signifies a significant milestone in the promotion of weightlifting talent across the Oceania region.
