BFF’s weighty support for powerlifter

27th April 2023

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Powerlifter Petty Officer RN Wesley McGuinness had an incredible year in 2022 – with a little help from The BFF. With support from the Charity, he was able to attend International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) World, European and Commonwealth Powerlifting championships. Acknowledging how he went from strength to strength after each event last year, BFF is to continue backing Wesley’s goals and ambitions in 2023. “I am huge believer that you are only as good as the support around you and I would not have been able to reach highest standard of competition last year without the support from the British Forces Foundation,” said Wes. “I am extremely thankful and grateful for this opportunity and look forward to working with BFF in the future.” The support from BFF helps Wes with the costs of travel, accommodation, memberships, drug and entry fees, and purchasing powerlifting apparel required for competitions. He already has his sights set on the England National Bench Press Championships in June as well as the SBD All England National Championships in August. “This funding will continue to help develop the profile of not only powerlifting, but physical development within our Armed Forces,” explained Wes. “This will demonstrate that our Armed Forces can strike a balance between protecting our nation’s interests, respond during crises, assist with local authorities in emergencies, deploying on operations all over the world, and also demonstrate the same courage, commitment, discipline, integrity and professionalism to something outside of our core roles, such as a sport - in this case Powerlifting. “It will certainly display and encourage others that it is possible to make time for themselves even with such high demanding roles - managing our time and health to personally grow and improve.” Wes added: “My main aim of 2023 is to raise awareness to the new generation of Naval Personnel and the general public, that it absolutely imperative we muster up the right support network, obtain the correct mindset, when we have set-backs such as my recent major injury (fully detaching my right distal bicep). “I want to display to the public that hardships such as this can initially appear as setback, but with the right approach you can change your view and see this as a stronger return to your sport.”