It gives me great pleasure to say that the IPF has taken another step forward by making history with FISU. This is a great day for the IPF, FISU, the Estonian Powerlifting Federation, the Estonian University Federation, all the athletes, and officials who took part in these historic World Championships. It is a milestone in the history of our federation, and a testament to our many years of work leading up to this event. Everyone who was here can be proud to have contributed, and to have enjoyed this success with us. I hope that our members who were not able to be here this time will do everything possible to be there for the second edition.
I would like to sincerely thank everyone who contributed to making this possible. I thank the President of the National University Federation (NUF) for the trust in the IPF and our sport of powerlifting, and for submitting the application to FISU, allowing us to organize this first FISU World University Powerlifting Championships.
A big thanks go to to FISU for giving us this opportunity to include our sport and to present these World Championships together. I would especially like to thank Secretary General, Eric Saintrond, who always believed in us and supported us. My thanks also go to the President of FISU, the President of the Estonian University Federation, and the entire organizing committee who co-ordinated an outstanding competition. Special thanks also to Peep Pall, who made all this possible: when I approached him five years ago about organizing the FISU World Championships, he agreed immediately.
All this would not have been possible without the 22 member countries that registered 208 athletes through their NUFs. I am very grateful to our members, especially for the brilliant record-breaking performances of our athletes, which really impressed the FISU officials. Powerlifting was very well received. Thanks to all EC members of the IPF, the media team, and all the volunteers. Together we have made history, and I am very proud of it.
