Powerlifters from eight South American nations are expected to compete in Guyana in 2028 after the country secured its first hosting of the South American Powerlifting Federation (FESUPO) Championships, opening another opportunity to develop sports tourism.
Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Uruguay, Suriname, Peru, Colombia and Chile are expected to send athletes to challenge the Guyanese team at the regional event. Guyana will follow Colombia, which is scheduled to host the championships in 2027.
Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) President Franklin Wilson said the competition would allow the federation to contribute to the country’s sports tourism efforts and respond to President Irfaan Ali’s call for more international events.
For local powerlifting, the decision also extends the gains made during the 2026 championships. Wilson pointed to Guyana’s continued medal-winning performances and the training of two locally based coaches, including a woman, as significant achievements.
According to Wilson, it was the first time Guyana had facilitated that training opportunity for two local coaches, adding another area of progress alongside the athletes’ results.
The hosting announcement came from FESUPO Secretary General Jose Luis Inguanti following the election of a new executive at the federation’s 2026 Congress.
Wilson and GAPLF Vice President Edwin Gordon Spencer represented Guyana at the meeting. Both described the country’s selection as a historic development for the sport.
Inguanti expressed confidence in the partnership with Guyana, indicating that FESUPO would work with the hosts to deliver a successful competition.
Brazil’s Julio Conrado, who was re-elected FESUPO president, also expressed confidence in Guyana’s capacity to stage the championships.
The executive elected at the congress will serve for four years. International Powerlifting Federation Vice President Dietmar Wolf attended the proceedings.
With the hosting decision confirmed, attention will now turn to preparations. The federation’s executive is expected to meet shortly to discuss arrangements and get planning under way early for the 2028 event.
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