Strength Academy Wales Receives Solva Edge Festival Funding to Develop
Powerlifting
At Strength Academy Wales, we believe powerlifting is for everyone, regardless of
background or ability. Our mission is to break down barriers that prevent local people from
accessing this incredible sport and to create opportunities for training and competition at
every level.
Thanks to the generous support of the Solva Edge Festival, our not-for-profit organisation
has been able to expand our powerlifting programme, increasing the amount of equipment
available to both current and new members. This funding is making a real impact—not only
in powerlifting performance and competition training but also in building a strong,
inclusive, and supportive community for lifters of all abilities.
Supporting Future Champions and an Inclusive Community
The funding has been particularly valuable in supporting our disability powerlifting
programme, which is now set up for long-term success. Since receiving the grant, one of
our club members has represented Wales in competition and is now training with the
goal of competing at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The impact extends beyond elite lifters. The funding is helping to develop a new generation
of young lifters who are progressing through our structured training system. We are also
committed to making powerlifting accessible to all, including individuals with disabilities
and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Expanding Opportunities in Pembrokeshire
This year, we aim to become an official event partner with the Welsh Powerlifting
Association, allowing us to host top-level competitions locally in Pembrokeshire. By
bringing high-quality events to the region, we hope to increase participation, raise
awareness, and inspire more people to get involved in the sport.
To further strengthen our club and develop our coaching team, we have arranged for British
Powerlifting coaching awards to be run at our centre, this August. This initiative
will upskill several new volunteers, enabling them to support members both in training and
at competitions.
Special Olympic Powerlifting – A National Hub
A particularly exciting development is our support for Special Olympic Great Britain
powerlifting athletes. Thanks to the funding, athletes from across the UK will have the
opportunity to attend training camps and competitions at our centre, preparing for
the 2027 World Special Olympics in Chile. This is a huge step forward in
promoting inclusivity and excellence in powerlifting.
A Heartfelt Thank You
We are incredibly grateful to the Solva Edge Festival for their generous support. This
funding is not just an investment in Strength Academy Wales, but in the long-term
development of powerlifting in Pembrokeshire and beyond. It is helping local athletes,
from grassroots participants to international hopefuls, to pursue their ambitions and
reach their full potential.
Strength Academy Wales – Our Mission
At Strength Academy Wales, we are committed to transforming lives through health, fitness,
and strength training. We focus on:
✅ Encouraging people of all ages and backgrounds to participate in fitness activities
✅ Addressing social exclusion by making fitness accessible to disadvantaged and
marginalised groups
✅ Tackling obesity, promoting fitness, and improving mental wellbeing
✅ Positively impacting health, wellbeing, and illness prevention
✅ Supporting people to live healthy, happy lives and remain independent in their
community
✅ Promoting excellence in weightlifting, disability powerlifting, and Special Olympic
powerlifting, leading to national and international success
Get Involved!
If you or someone you know would benefit from powerlifting training in a friendly,
supportive environment, we’d love to welcome you to the Strength Academy Wales
community.
�� Location: Strength Academy Wales, Haverfordwest
�� Find out more at: www.strengthacademy.wales/wellbeing
Come along, meet new people, and experience the benefits for yourself!
