According to a SkellaFit press release, the invite to the world championships follows the team’s successful performances at state and national competitions earlier this year, setting records and winning accolades.

“To be able to lift on a World Stage and represent Alpena, MI, USA is nothing short of a dream come true,” team SkellaFit Powerlifting Coach and World Record Holder Cristi Johnson said in the release. “To be honest, I never thought it would happen this quickly, but when you combine inner strength, physical strength and the strength of a solid community… magic happens.”

Johnson added that only the top three lifters in each category are invited to the world competition, and seven of SkellaFit’s lifters received that invitation.

SkellaFit team members include Johnson, Coach Rick Houchin, Elle Bee, Tina Robbins, Krista Hempel, Connor Bagnell, Karen Grochowski, Laura Lewis, Mallory Miller, Brandy Shooks, Katie Edgar, and Katie Jones.

Courtesy Photo Team SkellaFit Powerlifting is seen celebrating with their trophy at the APF/AAPF State Competition in Royal Oak. APF stands for American Powerlifting Federation, and AAPF stands for Amateur American Powerlifting Federation. Pictured in back, from left, are Coach Rick Houchin, Elle Bee, Tina Robbins, Cristi Johnson, Krista Hempel, Connor Bagnell, Karen Grochowski, and Laura Lewis. In front, from left, are Mallory Miller, Brandy Shooks, Katie Edgar, and Katie Jones.

Though the team has received the championship invite, the release states that to cover the cost the team will have to fundraise before the competition in November.

“Because we are just everyday people joining together to do these kinds of events, funding and time off work can be hard to navigate with travel and meet times,” Katie Jones, SkellaFit Powerlifting Team member, said in the release. “We are honored to have been invited but we’re going to need some help to get to South Africa.”

The team will be hosting three fundraising events leading up to the competition:

— The 2nd Annual Skellolympics where athletes will compete in “stupid games for stupid prizes” on Aug. 23 at Presque Isle Farms. Admission is $20, and the event will include “ridiculous competitions, camping, big laughs, and brunch,” according to an event flyer.

— A Pep Rally on Sept. 13 at PIF Cider. Admission is free, but there will be a silent auction, One Shot Bingo, autograph signing, specialty drinks, and music from DJ Skella.

— A “Give us a Lift” VIP Dinner on Oct. 4 at Art in the Loft. A Mediterranean-inspired meal will be provided by the Sherwood Pita Wagon and served by the Powerlifting Team. Tickets are limited to 30 seats. Admission is $125.

In addition to the fundraising events, the release states the team is offering event and uniform sponsorships, as well as exclusive merchandise, through True North Threads. Proceeds will benefit the cost of travel.

According to the release, individual donations can be made via Paypal at skellafit.com.

“We hope to use this platform to inspire women of all ages that strength isn’t about how much you can lift or what your body looks like or how many medals you have, it’s about mentality and heart and confidence in yourself and passing that along to those around us,” SkellaFit Powerlifting Team member Laura Lewis said. “It’s about their daughters and granddaughters and nieces. It’s about growing a generation of women who are so undeniably strong people can’t help but notice.”

Team Skellafit Powerlifting will compete next in late August at the World Powerlifting Congress’s AWPC Championships in Idaho Falls, Idaho.

Kayla Wikaryasz can be reached at 989-358-5688 or kwikaryasz@TheAlpenaNews.com.