On Friday, Aug. 2, and Sunday, Aug. 4, Laconia High School will host the RAW Powerlifting New Hampshire State Championships. It’s an event brought by promoter Pat O’Reilly, who hopes to grow it into a regional, and ultimately international-level, competition.

This weekend’s events will be limited to the bench press. Friday, Aug. 2, will be for youth and teen competitors. Weigh-in will be held on Thursday evening and Friday from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., a technical meeting for athletes will be held at 3 p.m., and the lifting will start at 4 p.m. On Sunday, Aug. 4, competitors in the juniors and older divisions will be held, with weigh-in held Saturday and again on Sunday prior to the event, a technical meeting at 9:30 a.m. and lifting starting at 10:30 a.m. Spectators are welcome, and a $10 admission fee will be donated to support Laconia Sachems Football.

At RAW’s first NH competition, the winner in every category will set, by definition, a new record.

RAW Powerlifting is a federation that doesn’t permit performance-enhancing drugs, and competitors will be asked to submit to random drug screens. Nor will lifters be permitted to use assistive equipment, such as shirts that help wearers lift heavier weights.