While the Guyana Amateur Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (GABBFF) is preparing to hold its annual Senior National Championships, the Guyana and Trinidad Mutual Group of Insurance Companies has come out in support of the venture.
The competition, which will be held on August 29 at the National Cultural Centre, gained a financial boost of an undisclosed amount from GTM yesterday.
Representatives of the company have also pledged the company’s continued support for the competition, which has been dubbed ‘Mission of Mega Proportions’ this year.
Speaking to Stabroek Sport yesterday, GABBFF Treasurer Travis Peters said that the association’s main aim at present is to secure corporate support for the tournament.
The treasurer disclosed that the association is looking to raise some $3 million or more, especially since the association has other upcoming tournaments that may need funding.
One such tournament is the 38th Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Body Building & Fitness Championship in Aruba from October 6-10. And according to Peters, the national senior championships will serve as a precursor to the CAC Games in early October.
He pointed out also that many of the athletes would be using the August championships to make the cut for the CAC championships. Therefore, the association and certainly patrons can expect a high level of competition from the bodybuilders. The defending champions are Oswin Jones and Alicia Fortune.
He said that some of the participants of the Hugh Ross Classics are expected to strut in August and this will also lift the level of competition at the championships.
Further, Peters pointed out that some of the novices will be seeking to step up to the big league and possibly secure a spot on the team.
In that light Peters urged all the eligible athletes to make the event a success.
Meanwhile, the GABBFF has invited a prominent overseas bodybuilder as a guest of honour and guest poser at the championships in August.
Peters said that the association will not immediately be disclosing who will be the guest of honour but noted that the individual is from Texas, USA.
He stated, however, that the GABBFF will be making a formal announcement soon. Tickets for the event will cost $3,000 and the GABBFF will make a formal announcement on when tickets will go on sale.Categories that will be contested at the event in August are Bantamweight: up to 65kg and inclusive of 143 lbs, Lightweight: up to 70kg (144lbs-154lbs), Welterweight: up to 75kg (155lbs-165lbs), Light Middleweight: up to 80kg (166lbs-176lbs), Heavyweight: 177lbs and over, Ms. Fitness Open, Ms. Body Fitness, Men’s Fitness and Overall Champion.
