Alliance Weekend 2025: A Galactic Deadlift Battle to raise money for our International Teams

Prepare for Alliance Weekend 2025 – a celebration of unity and strength within the powerlifting community! This annual event unites gyms, lifters, and volunteers, forging bonds as strong as a Wookiee’s grip.

The Mission

This year, the Force will be with us as we host a deadlift-only competition with a charitable purpose: Raising funds to support our APA international teams heading to the 2025 World Championship Series. On May 3–4, Outpost Gyms across Australia will host these epic competitions, like Rebel strongholds scattered throughout the galaxy. The participating gyms are:

• Elemental Strength Society (VIC) - Sunday, May the 4th

• Compound Training & Nutrition (TAS) - Saturday, May the 3rd

• Strength Club Perth (WA) - Sunday, May the 4th

• Darwin Powersports Inc. (World Gym Palmerston; NT) - Sunday, May the 4th

• Generation Fitness (NSW) - Sunday, May the 4th

• Mega Nationals Competitors: You can enter with your heaviest deadlift from Mega Nationals 2025! Simply register via the Mega Nationals registration page.

All lifters are encouraged to embrace the spirit of the Rebellion and lift for the cause. Supporters can pledge $1 per kilo lifted or make a one-time donation to the APA’s fundraising page. All donations are tax-deductible – may the lifts be with you!

Eligibility

• Open to all APA members, including novice lifters, coach and referee only and volunteers. No experience in intergalactic battles required!

Awards & Prizes

Heaviest Deadlift at Each Outpost Gym and MegaNats (Male & Female)

• Prize: Engraved medal – a testament to the strongest lifters in the galaxy!

Best Overall Male & Female Deadlift

• Calculation: Determined using IPF GL points.

• Prize: Lightsaber trophy 

Most Money Raised by an Individual

• Prize: $100 City Strength Gift Card – a reward fit for a Jedi fundraiser.

Most Money Raised by a Gym

• Prize: The Galactic Shield – a perpetual trophy 

Best Costume (Star Wars Theme Encouraged)

• Entry: Submit a photo or video of your deadlift attempt in costume (instructions on how to do this will be available soon)

• Prize: $100 City Strength Gift Card – for the best-dressed Jedi, Sith, or droid!

Results Announcements

• Heaviest Lifter per Gym: Announced on the event day at each Outpost Gym.

• Best Overall Lifter: Revealed through our social media channels.

• Most Money Raised & Best Costume: Announced week commencing 27th May.

Competition Rules

• IPF Technical Rules Apply – Only lifts that adhere to IPF standards will be considered valid.

• Costumes Encouraged! However, they must not interfere with lift execution (no capes over the bar, and lightsabers must be holstered!).

• Deadlift Socks Required – Not necessarily IPF standard, but they must be appropriate (no Wampa fur allowed).

• Shoes Must Be Worn – No barefoot lifting; the Rebel Alliance has strict safety protocols.

• No Age or Weight Classes – The Force is strong in lifters of all sizes!

• Mandatory Weigh-In

• Heaviest Deadlift: Determined solely by absolute weight lifted.

• Best Overall Deadlift: Calculated using IPF GL points.

• Fundraising Cut-off Date: Donations must be received by Saturday, 17th May to be counted toward fundraising awards.

Join the Rebellion – Lift for a Cause!

Lifters and supporters, the fate of our international powerlifting teams is in your hands! Whether you’re lifting heavy, fundraising, or cheering from the sidelines, your participation fuels the journey to Worlds.

Sign up from the 15th of March, train like a Jedi, and let’s make this the most powerful Alliance Day yet!