Memories of Santo Domingo 2006

1
Memories of Santo Domingo 2006

• What happened during the World Weightlifting
  Championships from 26 September to 8 October,
  2006 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

2
IWF Executive Board Members

• The IWF Executive Board members are the maximum
  authority to assign the location of World
  Championships. The 28th of September in the
  Hamaca Coral Hotel they confirmed Santo Domingo
  as host of this World Championship that happens
  to be the first Qualifying event in the road
  towards Beijing 2008. In the front row we see Dr.
  Bolívar Vargas, one of the masterminds who
  brought this historic event to his country.
  (Photo provided by Philippe Saint-Cyr)

3
And the competition begins

• With the attendance of 80 countries and close to
  500 athletes, Santo Domingo hosted what could be
  considered the largest Championship ever. The
  Handball coliseum at Parque del Este served as
  the venue for this historic event that had one of
  the most impressive and colorful backgrounds
  displayed in recent years. The local organizing
  committee spared no expenses or efforts to
  provide high quality competitive conditions.

4
China shows their tradition

• As we may easily observe, the delegation from the
  Peoples Republic of China was the most numerous.
  Their women won five first places out of seven
  categories and their men did not do too bad
  either. If they wanted to show an example of
  what we should expect in Beijing 2008, we got the
  message loud and clear.

5
Others put on a good show

• The team from Thailand brought a group of
  youngsters that has nothing to envy from the rest
  of the world. They will be hosting the second
  Olympic qualifying event in Chiangmai in 2007.
  Other countries better be aware of the potential
  of the Thai team.

6
Way far in North America

• When we all travel to Whitehorse, Canada, for the
  Junior World Championships in 2008, we will
  certainly be received by Jean Elisabeth Lassen,
  silver medal in jerk and bronze medal in total,
  in Santo Domingo 2006. Although she was the only
  medal winner among the ladies for the Pan
  American Federation , the future looks promising
  with the new talent developing in countries a
  little to the south, such as Colombia, Mexico,
  Venezuela and the United States, just to mention
  some.

7
Back to Europe

• Sagir Taner, the new Turkish star may once again
  place himself in the highest spot at the awards
  podium when the scenario moves to Antalya for the
  Senior World Championships in 2010.(photo Denis
  Reno)

8
A very special person

• Of all the people who were part of the Santo
  Domingo 2006 organizing committee, the most
  recognizable would be Maritza Ortiz. From a
  humble beginning as an athlete, then a referee
  and now Technical Director of this mayor event,
  she has earned the respect and admiration of all
  her colleagues around the world. By coincidence,
  her birthday is the same as that of Moira Lassen.
  Here they both blow the candles in what turned
  out to be a double celebration. (Photo by
  Faustina Rondón)

9
Pan American Medal Winners (Photos Denis Reno)
10
Those who did not win medals, lifted with pride
and elegance!(photos Denis Reno)
11
A man for all seasons

• Some say he can be in two places at the same
  time. But the truth is that during Santo Domingo
  2006 the Organizing Committee abused his vocal
  cords having him as the sole announcer of the
  event for 35 consecutive sessions for the span of
  eight competition days, from early in the morning
  to extended hours at night. Besides that, he
  also served as interpreter in the Executive Board
  Meeting and translator at the Annual Congress 28
  and 29 September. He has been called by Dr.
  Tamás Aján the voice of the IWF.

12
Our Official Information Center

• The Pan American Federation has several ways to
  maintain its member countries informed of
  everything that happens in the world of
  weightlifting. Just access the web site
• www.lsus.edu/weightlifting/panam
• Besides, on a personal note for comments or
  additional information, you may contact
• Kyle Pierce kpierce_at_lsus.edu
• and /or
• David Colón dacolon_at_hotmail.com