WELSH powerlifter John Williams is appealing for help from local businesses and the public, so he can compete in this year's Powerlifting Championships in Russia.
John, of 5 The Old Mill, Llanboidy, has competed in the sports of powerlifting and weightlifting for nearly 30 years and throughout this time has won numerous competitions, including European and World Championships.
After a break of three years, John returned to competitive lifting in the summer of 2002, winning the World Powerlifting Championships held in Edinburgh, and this year has already had great success, achieving first place in the Northern Masters Weightlifting Championships, second in the British Masters Weightlifting Championships and first again in the Welsh Powerlifting Championships.
John is appealing for financial help so he can travel to St. Petersburg in Russia for this year's World Powerlifting Championships to be held this month.
He explained: "Both my sports are completely amateur and all costs, such as training fees, equipment and travelling expenses, must be met by myself.
"The cost of travelling and hotel fees is going to be around £700, with the replacement lifting kit I need at a cost of £250, so I need to find around £950.
"Add to this the cost of a high protein diet, vitamin supplements and the cost of training and the final bill could well be around £2,000 just for this one competition," continued John.
"With this in mind I would be extremely grateful for any assistance anyone may be able to offer me. I am not necessarily looking for someone to meet all the costs, but help with buying my food supplements or the cost of flights would be greatly appreciated.
"I would of course be willing to acknowledge any help received in the local press and by way of logos on my tracksuit, T-shirts and clothing," said John.
Anyone wishing to help or requiring further information can contact John on (01994) 448452 or E-Mail him at [email protected]">[email protected].