Wales Weightlifting Federation CIC has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Social Enterprise Innovation Award at the Social Business Wales Awards 2026.

The recognition reflects the continued evolution of Weightlifting Wales beyond the traditional role of a National Governing Body. In this recent year, the organisation has strengthened its governance, developed its new Lifting a Nation strategy and transitioned to a Community Interest Company, embedding community benefit alongside sporting excellence at the heart of the organisation.

This transformation has supported a much broader approach, using strength-based activity to improve health, wellbeing and inclusion while enabling affiliated clubs to become increasingly important community assets.

Through initiatives including Raise the Bar Wales and the Stronger Together innovation programme, alongside the growing community work of affiliated clubs, weightlifting is reaching a much wider participation reach across Wales. Clubs are now delivering programmes supporting older adults, people living with Parkinson’s, unpaid carers, girls and young women, while women now represent over 50% of Weightlifting Wales membership.

The Social Business Wales Awards received a record number of entries this year, making selection as a finalist a significant achievement. The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony at The Muni, Pontypridd, on 7 October 2026.

We are incredibly proud to have our work, our clubs and the wider impact of weightlifting across Wales recognised at a national level.