[5][6] BWL support a large network of weightlifting bodies, clubs and gyms across the United Kingdom,[9] as well as the thousands of people actively involved in Olympic and Paralympic weightlifting disciplines and people at every level of weight bearing activity.
[11] They operate several initiatives aimed at encouraging people to learn the fundamental movement skills in olympic weightlifting and for all sport and physical activities.
This includes coordinating and facilitating the set-up, running and growth of club infrastructure from national, regional, and sub-regional level.
[4] In 1910, the British Weight Lifters' Association was established in order to bring all amateur weightlifters into a united self-governing body.
BWL outlines qualification pathways for weightlifters aspiring to enter the international competitions of the Olympics, Paralympics and Commonwealth Games.
[29] BWL deliver practical and online training programmes to weightlifters, coaches, instructors, and technical officials.
The first national youth squad took place in Loughborough, 2016,[30] at which 12 young lifters were selected to attend BWL training camps throughout the year.
[31] Para Powerlifting made its debut at the 1964 Paralympic Games in Tokyo, featuring a handful of male competitors with spinal cord injuries.
The sport now has hundreds of elite male and female participants from a variety of disability groups, representing more than 110 countries.
At the 2020, Road to Tokyo Para Powerlifting World Cup, Britain finished with four gold, two silver and three bronze medals.