USA Weightlifting Florida State Championship coming to Lake Wales April 25 through 27

Robert Connors

The spacious gymnasium at Lake Wales High School will be the host site for the USA Weightlifting Florida State Championship April 25 through 27.

A three-day event is expected to draw more than 700 people to Lake Wales on April 25-27th as the city hosts the USA Weightlifting Florida State Championship. The event is sponsored by USA Weightlifting, which promotes the sport nationwide.

The event will be held at Lake Wales High School and will feature more than 500 athletes competing in an Olympic-style weightlifting competition.

"This event will stimulate our local economy," said City Manager James Slaton. "Tourism dollars circulating through our local businesses and banks promotes financial sustainability." Event organizers expect that the athletes, along with their trainers, friends and families from all over Florida, will be staying at area hotels, eating at restaurants and frequenting local businesses.

The mission of USA Weightlifting is to grow and develop weightlifting to support lifelong participation and achieve Olympic podium success.