Students at DODDS high schools worldwide will compete in the second annual weightlifting “lift-off,” organizers said.

According to the event’s creator, physical education teacher David Eidem of Wiesbaden High School in Germany, the “lift-off” was conceived as an unofficial bench-press competition based on the percentage of body weight that students can lift.

More than 350 students at 21 DODDS schools in Europe and the Pacific and Domestic Defense Elementary and Secondary Schools in the States and overseas participated, Eidem said.

The main goal, Eidem said, is to promote involvement in weightlifting while recognizing athletes who spend time in weight rooms.

“This will also allow our athletes to compare themselves with others of similar body composition,” he said, adding that all students are encouraged to get involved in the event “regardless of their current physical ability.”

How the “lift-off” works:

Schools select a coach, physical education teacher or sponsor to monitor participants’ results.Monitors witness and record each athlete’s body weight and maximum bench press. Bench maximum then is divided by body weight.Submit results before June 1.Winners will be selected from three weight categories per age group as well as male and female categories.

Contact Eidem at david.eidem@eu.dodea.edu for more information.

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