The partnership between Special Olympics International (SOI) and the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) was formed in 2011 when SOI and IPF officials convened at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Athens, Greece to discuss common interests. Out of this meeting evolved an understanding of common goals and a Memorandum of Understanding which allowed for Special Olympics athlete involvement in IPF competition. Since then, Special Olympics athletes have competed in a Special Olympics division in two IPF championships—the 2012 IPF World Championships in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico and the 2013 IPF World Masters Championships in Orlando, Florida. Plans are in place to have continued Special Olympics participation in future IPF events.