Weightlifting Wales extends its huge delight to be able to announce that our Chief Operating Officer, Simon Roach, has been elected to the Executive Board of the Commonwealth Weightlifting Federation (CWF) for the next 2026-2030 term. Simon’s election took place last Friday (31st July) at the annual CWF Congress held at the Hilton hotel in Glasgow city centre upon the conclusion of the Weightlifting at the Commonwealth Games. His election was confirmed following a total of 25 votes (joint 3rd), resulting in joining 7 others as newly elected Executive CWF Board Members along with representatives from Papa New Guinea, Kenya, Brunei, Sri Lanka, Uganda, Bangladesh, and Sierra Leone.

This news marks a significant milestone for Welsh weightlifting given that Simon is the first ever representative from Wales to be elected to the CWF Executive Board in the orgainsation’s 79-year history. It is a recognition of Simon’s extensive contribution to driving Weightlifting Wales strategic development, strengthening partnerships and supporting the continued growth of the sport across Wales. Since joining Weightlifting Wales, Simon’s leadership has been instrumental in building stronger foundations for athlete development, club support, workforce development and governance, while ensuring Weightlifting Wales continues to play an active role as a member of the CWF.

Election to the CWF Executive Board provides an opportunity to help shape the future of weightlifting across the Commonwealth, working alongside fellow representatives to support the continued growth of the Federation. The CWF plays a pivotal role in promoting weightlifting across the Commonwealth, supporting member nations, and developing competition opportunities. For next year’s 2027 Commonwealth Championships competitions - the 80th year of the CWF, for the Senior, Junior and Youth competitions, they will all be held in Apia – Samoa.

Speaking following the election, Simon said:

"I'm honoured to have been elected to the CWF Executive Board and to represent Wales at Commonwealth level. I look forward to working with colleagues across the Commonwealth to support the continued development of our sport."

Everyone at Weightlifting Wales congratulates Simon on this outstanding achievement and wishes him every success in this position with the CWF. We also extend our congratulations to Tuaopepe Asiata Jerry Wallwork (Samoa) on his election as President of the CWF and Paul Coffa MBE (Australia) on his re-election as General Secretary and Treasurer. 

We look forward to working with the new Executive Board as it continues to advance and strengthen weightlifting throughout the Commonwealth over the next four year cycle.