The Para Powerlifting Home Nations Open will take place at Bangor University on Sunday 13 September 2026, as part of the Disability Sport Wales Para Sports Festival.

The competition, funded by Disability Sport Wales (DSW) and delivered in collaboration with Weightlifting Wales (WW) and British Weight Lifting (BWL), will welcome athletes from across the Home Nations, with the first lifting group beginning at 9:00am.

The event forms part of Weightlifting Wales' commitment to growing para powerlifting across Wales by providing high-quality competition opportunities and strengthening the pathway for disabled athletes.

The event also forms part of the wider Para Sport Festival, led by Disability Sport Wales, which celebrates inclusive sport and creates opportunities for disabled people of all ages and abilities to participate, compete and be inspired.

DSW Mission: Influence, Include, Inspire, insport

Disability Sport Wales (DSW) is the lead organisation for disability physical activity (including sport) in Wales. DSW creates and supports opportunities for disabled people to engage in a more physically active lifestyle at community level, as well as talented athletes competing in disability and parasport on national and international stages.

The Para Sport Festival 2026 takes place over 3 weeks across 4 Welsh cities and comprises 7 elite competitive sport events and multiple ‘Take Part’ events. Outside of traditional mega-events, like the Paralympics, Deaflympics, Virtus Global Games or Special Olympic Games, this is the first event of its kind. Take part events are open to participants of all skill levels and are designed to make inclusive and para sport accessible to anyone. Competitive events are showcases of elite level para sport with national and international competitors.

Simon Roach, Chief Operating Officer of Weightlifting Wales, said:

"Weightlifting Wales is honoured to be part of the Para Sport Festival and to deliver the Para Powerlifting Home Nations Open alongside Disability Sport Wales and British Weight Lifting. Developing para powerlifting is a key priority within our new Lifting a Nation strategy, with a strong focus on increasing participation, strengthening our athlete pathway and creating opportunities for more disabled people to experience our sport. We hope this event will inspire new athletes into the pathway, support healthier and more active lifestyles through strength training, and help develop athletes capable of representing Wales on the journey towards the 2030 Commonwealth Games."

Robyn Wilkins, Para Sport Festival Senior officer at Disability Sport Wales added:

“Disability Sport Wales are delighted by the inclusion of the Para Powerlifting Home Nations Open to the Para Sport Festival programme and to be working alongside Weightlifting Wales and British Weightlifting. The Para Sport Festival is about providing more competitive opportunities for athletes and to be able to help with the Lifting a Nation strategy is something we’re really proud to be able to do. We’re hoping this is just the start of our partnership and Para Powerlifting will be an event we can continue to grow as part of the Para Sport Festival in future years.”

Claire Deacon, Events Operations Manager at British Weight Lifting said:

"British Weight Lifting is delighted to be part of this years Home Nation Open weekend alongside Welsh Weightlifting, helping to create more opportunities for Para Powerlifters across the UK. Our new strategy, Find Your Strong, places participation at the heart of our work, and collaborations like this are vital in opening doors for athletes at all levels, particularly at the grassroots level. We extend our sincere thanks to Welsh Weightlifting, Disability Sport Wales, and Bangor University for championing and supporting our Para athletes."

Coefficient Points Formula (pDOTS)

The pDOTS coefficient formula used by World Para Powerlifting is to be applied to determine final rankings within the competition for each individual's total score. The coefficient formula calculates a pDOTS score based on:

• Athlete gender
• Bodyweight
• Best successful lift (out of the three attempts)

The athlete producing the greatest pDOTS score within their weight category of lightweight (-61kg) or heavyweight (+61kg), as well as gender takes gold. In the event of a tie, the winner is the athlete that weighed in the lightest and lifted the joint heaviest weight. 

A link to the pDOTS coefficient formula from the International Paralympic Committee IPC website can be viewed below:

Coefficient Formula (pDOTS) Calculator

Entries for the Para Powerlifting Home Nations Open are OPEN NOW on Sport 80 (SPORT 80 ENTRY LINK) - with the entry closing date being on Sunday 23rd August at 11.59pm. Any athlete no matter where they are located across the UK/Ireland can compete, with there being no qualifying standards also to enter. For more competition information, please read our event information pack on the events page of our website:

Para Powerlifting Home Nations Open — information pack

Spectators Welcome

Spectators are welcome throughout the day, with free entry available.

The event is open to spectators, with the first lifting group beginning at 9:00am. Come along and support some of the UK's leading para powerlifters as they compete in Bangor.

Book your free spectator tickets here:

https://disabilitysportwales.com/en-gb/booking?sessionid=81

Alternatively, scan the QR code below to reserve your place.