Cleveland Powerlifting Club

The Cleveland Powerlifting Club (CPC) was founded in order to provide a safe and healthy environment for underprivileged teens from the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) to train in the sport of powerlifting. Powerlifting is comprised of three specific lifts that include bench press, squat, and deadlift.

Each student-athlete has been training for months with the goal of qualifying for the USAPL High School national competition; the premier event for the sport. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19, these students have lost access to their school gym to train.

It has only been through the generosity of individuals and corporations in the community that the program has been able to continue. We currently are paying monthly for access to a gym and resources for all the students. The funds we have raised are quickly running out. We need additional support to ensure these students have access to a training facility, gear, and registrations for competitions.

Each student resides in an economically distressed neighborhood. This program is essential for them. For many, this is the only opportunity for extra-curricular activity outside the home. We humbly ask for any assistance that can be offered.

Please visit our Facebook page to learn more about our program and see our awesome athletes at work!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/clepowerliftingclub

The club trains three days a week for two hours each practice. Gym time has been purchased through the end of the year, but we will need additional donations for gym time starting in January.

In December we will need to purchase memberships to the USAPL, the federation that the students compete in. Additionally, we will need to register our team for the two following competitions.

• High School Nationals qualifying competition - January 16, 2021
• High School National Competition - March 26 – 28, 2021

Lastly, we have been very fortunate to receive many donations to cover most of the gear and equipment these students need to compete. But there are still a few items needed, such as weightlifting belts, to ensure the students are lifting safely.

The answer for why we're doing this is simple. These young teens have had too much taken from them this year. The closing of their school due to Covid-19 meant the end of sports, clubs, and school activities. For many of these students, this team offers their only substantive opportunity to be active, see friends, and feel a sense of normalcy.

Our program is critically important for these kids. We want to ensure that each student-athlete has the opportunity to continue working toward their goals and proving to themselves just how great they can become.

For a few of these student-athletes, this sport could be a pathway to scholarships and college opportunities.

Please help these kids continue their journey!