January 25, 2019, QLD, Australia: The International Functional Fitness in cooperation with the Australian Functional Fitness Federation have announced that the Masters HQ competition in Australia will serve as 2019 iF3 Masters World Championship.
The competition will offer age divisions starting at 30 years of age and increasing in 5 year increments, with the highest age division being 60+. Each National Federation that is a member of the iF3 will be allowed to send up to 3 males and 3 females to compete per age category, with the exception of Australia, which as the host nation will send additional athletes from each of its states to the event.
The competition will take place in October of 2019 in QLD, Australia and be in the individual medley style of competition.
Australian athletes will qualify through the normal qualification process for the Masters HQ event. Athletes from other Federations should check with their National Federation about the qualifying procedures and selection criteria for their country.
Gretchen Kittelberger, President of the International Functional Fitness Federation commented, “ We are very excited to be able to offer an event at the international level for athletes who wish to support the growth of the sport and our mission and be part of the iF3 system, but who may not see themselves as realistic contenders for a spot on a potential Olympic team in a future decade. However, there are still opportunities for these athletes which we can pursue, such as inclusion in the IOC recognized International Masters Games Association and their events. We continue to work hard on the path toward recognition for our organization so that we can give these types of opportunities to athletes as soon as possible. The support of current masters athletes helps pave the way for future generations of athletes at all levels to have an opportunity to participate in the sport. We respect the contributions these athletes have made to this sport over the years, and we are excited to have an event which not only highlights them exclusively, but also allows them to show support for and reap the benefits of the work their National Federations are doing across the globe.“
Mel Robinson, President of the Australian Functional Fitness Federation also expressed enthusiasm for the event saying, “We are extremely pleased to have the opportunity to aid in the launch of Masters into the federation. This is really huge for our Masters community worldwide! We feel excited to be offering these extra opportunities for athletes 30+ to compete on the big stage beside athletes from all around the world! Australia’s Masters community is quite built, they are passionate and extremely devoted to their sport. To host this event on home soil is incredible for them and, aside from being able to compete alongside international athletes, it will create memories and friendships that will last a lifetime!”
For specific questions about the competition please contact info@afff.org.au
