A CROSS HANDS powerlifter is hoping to be crowned world champion thanks to the support of businesses in the area.

Owain Tobias, 23, has been invited to represent Great Britain in the WPC World Championships in Florida, in November.

He received the nod after winning the British Powerlifting Championships, at the Bodypower Expo in Birmingham.

However, despite being a dream for Owain, he came close to tearing up the invite when he received it.

“There was no way I could have afforded to go,” he explained.

“The flights, the accommodation, the equipment, everything would have been too much.”

However, thanks to the support of local businesses Owain, who trains at Evolution Health and Fitness Centre, has managed to raise the funds to compete in November.

He said: “I am honoured to have the support of the local community in their efforts in supporting my goals.

“Owner of Rugby Warfare clothing, Scott Flear, has kindly sponsored me in the lead up to the World Championships to ensure I have the necessary kit and equipment.

“Paul and John from Cegin Myrddin in Carmarthen have been kind enough to supply me with the dietary requirements everyday providing me with meat to help with my recovery.

“Arwel Dyer of AD Tanning and Ricky Wharton owner of Tony Tarw in Carmarthen have also been kind enough to supply free uses of their facilities.

“Ben Morgan at JT Supplements has kindly agreed to provide me with my supplementation needs in my preparation for this next competition.

“It is a fantastic feeling seeing the community working together and helping myself achieve my goals and dreams.

“I want to say thank you to everyone else who has helped out: Go Life Protect; Penygroes Service centre; N&E Photography; Britannia Tow Bars; and Vitality Life.”

Several of the businesses have offered special online discount codes to help Owain’s cause.

JT Supplements, AD Tanning and Penygroes Service Centre are all offering a ten per cent discount with code worlds10, while Rugby Warfare are offering 20 per cent off their online store with code worlds20.

Owain will also be displaying the Autism Rainbow symbol in Florida, with ‘Kai’ underneath, due to a kind personal donation from William Jones, and any profits from sponsorships not used in the campaign will be donated to ‘Autism Speaks’.

Owain works at Insure 4 Less UK Ltd in Carmarthen, and it was his boss, Andrew Clark, who came up with the idea of getting sponsorship.

Owain added: “He has made my dream become a reality in entering the World Championships and represent my country in the USA.

“I have not long been an employee of his and he has already turned my life around.

“As well as Andrew, I certainly wouldn’t be in this position if it wasn’t for family and friends showing their support. My grandfather has been behind me since day one of my powerlifting journey in 2015.

“He, along with my mother, grandmother and brother, as well as my girlfriend, Gwennan, who has recently become British and World Champion in her own category, have travelled across the country just to show their support and encouragement and I am so grateful for everything they’ve done.”

The competition will take place between November 7 and 11.