Annually, the Welsh Sports Association (WSA) honors governing bodies that have demonstrated excellence in advancing best-practice models and strategies within the sports industry through the esteemed Sports Industry Awards, an occasion dedicated to celebrating achievements within the Welsh sport and leisure sector. Weightlifting Wales is pleased to announce its nomination for the esteemed Most Influential Campaign award, recognising the impactful initiative titled "Raise The Bar."

As a pivotal component of the Winter of Wellbeing initiative, generously funded by the Welsh Government to provide crucial support for young individuals in the post-pandemic era, Raise The Bar offers a unique opportunity for youth engagement. This initiative entails a comprehensive, six-week Weightlifting program, facilitated by seasoned professionals across Weightlifting Wales Academies throughout the region. Designed to foster social, emotional, and physical well-being among participants, the program emphasises safe lifting practices, strength development, and overall enjoyment of physical activity.

Notably inclusive, Raise The Bar educates participants on the enduring benefits of Weightlifting and Strength Training, spanning physical, psychological, and social dimensions. Particularly impactful in disadvantaged areas, the initiative has successfully mitigated feelings of loneliness and isolation among youth through meticulously curated sessions. To date, over 1000 young individuals have enthusiastically participated, reporting substantial improvements in their social and mental well-being, irrespective of demographic backgrounds.

The program's success has been equally transformative for Weightlifting Wales, evidenced by a surge in membership sustainability and a notable influx of younger participants. Consequently, the organisation has restructured its performance pathway to accommodate the growing cohort of aspiring weightlifters emerging from the Raise The Bar program. Notably, national competitions have experienced a marked increase in youth participation, culminating in record-breaking athlete entries at prestigious events like the Welsh Age Group Championships.

Moreover, Weightlifting Wales Academies have proactively expanded their outreach efforts, organising local events to establish a supportive competition framework with accessible entry options, thereby aligning with the organisation's overarching strategy and catering to the needs of low-income families. These academies epitomise inclusivity, welcoming individuals of all ages and abilities to partake in the enriching sports of Weightlifting and Para powerlifting, in accordance with the overarching Weightlifting Wales strategy.