Weightlifting seminars were held in South America ©IWF

Weightlifting seminars have been held in South America to help promote the Olympic sport across the continent.

Uruguay hosted the "Technical Improvement in Weightlifting" event which attracted 56 participants.

Professor Sergio Parra led the seminar where planning training throughout the year was a key topic.

Practical classes were also held to work on correct execution and technique.

A second event was held in Paraguay where a "Technical Officials" seminar was led by Diego Germán Martínez.

Coaches and athletes involved all agreed that it had been a positive event where plenty was learnt.

Both courses were supported by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF), within its Continental Contribution grants for 2017.

The seminars were supported by the International Weightlifting Federation ©IWF
The seminars were supported by the International Weightlifting Federation ©IWF

South American country Colombia shared top spot on the medal table at last year's IWF World Championships in American city Anaheim, when only overall medals are considered.

They finished with two gold medals, one silver and two bronze.

Francisco Mosquera captured the total gold medal in the men's 62 kilograms division with Lidia Valentín triumphing in the women's 75kg.

No other country from South America won a medal at the competition, which took place in November and December.