Sport and Recreation for people with physical disabilities

Phone (03) 385 4449        Fax (03) 385 4425       Email info@parafedcanterbury.co.nz

Powerlifting encompasses the same rules as bench-pressing for able-bodied competitors. Powerlifting is the ultimate test of upper body strength. Competitors must lower the bar to their chest, hold it motionless on the chest and then press it upwards to arms length with locked elbows.

Both men and women compete in open competition and as with Judo, competitors are divided into ten different weight categories. There are special additions for amputees to compensate for body weight. Bench press is the only discipline with 10 different categories based on body weight.

Classification Information

All athletes with a minimal disability compete in open competition.

The sport is available to people with spinal cord injuries, amputees and people with cerebral palsy.