The Guyana Amateur Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (GABBFF) yesterday launched the Hugh Ross Classic for local bodybuilders at the Ocean View International Hotel.
The event is set to take place at the National Cultural Centre on April 20.
President of the GABBFF, Andre Poonai, yesterday informed the media that this event was being named after Guyana’s internationally recognized bodybuilder Hugh Ross who had done the country proud every time he stepped on stage on the International circuit.
“This event is being staged in honour of Hugh who has made this country proud on the international circuit. We, at the GABBFF, is doing everything in our power to revitalize the sport of bodybuilding here in Guyana.
“It is not like cricket and football where one can show up and organize a tournament and the competitors start the competition soon after,” Poonai stated.
“The bodybuilders have to have at least two to three months notice to get themselves in shape for the competitions they plan to enter. We could not have thought of a better way to honour Hugh and he has bestowed his blessings on this event,” Poonai added.
Poonai also told the media that his federation was doing its best to resuscitate the sport among the females.
“We have plans in place that cannot be disclosed at this moment as they are still in the fine-tuning stage when it comes to the females in body building.
I must say, however, that they are not being left behind as my executives are working assiduously hard to help revitalize this section of the sport.”
Male competitors will be competing in four weight categories from welterweight (70-75kg) to light heavyweight (85.5-90kgs).
There will also be a Mr Hugh Ross Overall Champion. The females will not be left out as they will be competing in the Ms Body Building Open as well as the Ms Fitness Open.
Registration fee for competitors is $500.00 and the closing date for registration is March 30. Trophies and cash prizes will be presented to the top three finishers in each category and Ross, along with two other internationally recognized bodybuilders, will be guest posing at the event.
The GABBFF also announced that the Ocean View International Hotel was the first corporate entity to assist with sponsorship on this event and the hotel was the official one for the event. They will also inform the public on this event as it unfolds. (Calvin Roberts)
