USA Weightlifting Statement Regarding Masters Weightlifting
by USA Weightlifting
May 24, 2023
Video update from CEO Matt Sicchio
May 22, 2023
To the USAW members lifting, coaching, and officiating at the Masters Pan Ams this week, good luck and enjoy the experience! We are cheering you on.
Like many of you, we are disturbed by the recent actions of certain members of the USAW Masters Council. These actions include establishing a separate corporation on April 24, nine days prior to CEO Matt Sicchio's open letter to all of you, and staging a vote on May 19 to try to commandeer authority from US masters athletes and transfer it to the new entity. Why the International Masters Weightlifting Association would pre-approve this action days earlier raises more questions about the motives of those involved.
Rest assured, USAW will respond firmly and appropriately to address the questionable legitimacy (and legality) of these actions.
In the meantime, we are not rushing into action that might jeopardize anyone’s participation in Orlando this week. We are focused on continuing to protect and advocate for your ability to lift domestically and internationally.
Best of luck to all our masters members in Orlando!
May 19, 2023
We acknowledge that members of the Masters Council decided, as individuals, to form a new corporation separate from USA Weightlifting and the USAW masters community. No matter what path they choose for themselves, we remain steadfast in our commitment to being tireless advocates for all our members. From youth to masters, local gyms to the world stage, USAW is committed to fostering an equitable, diverse, and vibrant weightlifting community.
If you love our sport, you are welcome at USA Weightlifting.
We look forward to sharing further updates with our masters community soon.