April Baldassarre is prepping to lift some big weight and kick some UK and World butt in Manchester, England.
2022 AWPC World Championships will be held September 6-10 in Manchester, England and the Dawson Creek lifter will be in the competition. Baldassarre has been powerlifting for a couple of years now – and a May lift in Prince George saw her qualify for the big UK event.
“I enjoy weight lifting, enjoy the goal building and pushing the limits, goals breaking and aiming for new numbers,” she says to the Mirror.
Baldassarre will be throwing together three lifts in Manchester – the deadlift, squat, and bench press. Thursday saw Baldassarre surprised by Gridiron Fitness owners Wayne and Tammy Schmidt with nearly $1,000 in community sponsorship from eight individuals for her UK trip. Baldassarre has been in Mile Zero for eight years and is an apprentice plumber. DC Crane has helped out with her flight to the UK.
Her team includes Relentless Performance out of Kamloops, and DC nutritionist Amanda Govenlock. Baldassarre works out 15 to 20 hours a week and was shocked at the outpouring of support.
“There are so many amazing people in Dawson Creek,” said Schmidt.
Ryeley Palfi’s parents Rick and Katrina were on hand for a donation as well.
“It is time for us to pay it forward a bit as well,” said Katrina.
Baldassarre hopes to pull 185 bench press, a 330 squat, and 355 deadlift in the UK. As for the numbers of dollars raised for her by the community.
“It will take a bit for this to hit. But when I pull the numbers I have been, it will be because of this.”
