Hugh Ross Classic to return next year

One of Guyana’s premier bodybuilding events, the Hugh Ross Classic (HRC) will return to the National Cultural Centre for its fourth staging on March 29, 2014.

This was disclosed by Guyana’s world renowned bodybuilder and 2010 Mr. Universe Masters champion, Hugh Ross himself yesterday at the Water Chris Hotel during the launch of the marquee bodybuilding event.

For the fourth edition, Ross indicated that the cream of the nation’s male bodybuilders will look to out pose and out flex their competition

Chairman of the Hugh Ross Classic Committee, Hugh Ross makes a point as from right, president of the GABBFF, Keavon Bess, Secretary/Treasurer of the Committee Allison Yhap, Media Cordinator, Franklin Wilson and Sponsorship and Finance Manager, Dexter Ganett look on. (Aubrey Crawford photo)
Chairman of the Hugh Ross Classic Committee, Hugh Ross makes a point as from right, president of the GABBFF, Keavon Bess, Secretary/Treasurer of the Committee Allison Yhap, Media Cordinator, Franklin Wilson and Sponsorship and Finance Manager, Dexter Ganett look on. (Aubrey Crawford photo)

in six divisions while the females will be placed in three categories, bodybuilding, figure and bikini.

“We are looking at six male categories and three female categories,” Ross told media operatives. “We have extended it to three female categories up from two last year because we are looking to draw more female interest into the sport.

The 54-year old muscleman added that the females will compete in the segments of “bodybuilding, this is for the females that are more muscular, in the figure category where we are looking for a female that is very symmetrical, shapely and somewhat toned and then the bikini contest, this is for any female who thinks she looks good in a bikini and exudes femininity and is a bit softer.

Males will vie for supremacy in the bantamweight, lightweight, welterweight, middleweight, light heavyweight and heavyweight weight classes.

Trophies, monetary prizes and supplement hampers compliments of Fitness Express will be awarded to the top three finishers in each weight division while the third and fourth runners up will receive medals.

In addition, there will also be an overall champion as the winners of the respective categories will have a pose off.

A trophy and monetary incentive will go to the champion of champions as well.

Ross also intimated that the HRC is open to all competitors and admission for the entire auditorium will be in the neighbourhood of $1500.

With respect to a guess poser, Ross revealed that he will be looking to acquire the services of IFBB professional, Jeff Beckham “who is very pleasing to the eyes and crowds”

Meanwhile, President of the Guyana Amateur Bodybuilding Fitness Federation (GABFF) Keavon Bess was also at the launching and fully endorsed the HRC.

Mohamed’s Enterprise, Fitness Express, Giftland Office Max and Banks Malta Supreme are the sponsors on board so far.

The inaugural HRC was held in 2008, while the second one was held in 2010.Lindener Mark ‘Uno’ Perry was 2008’s overall winner, while Royston Booker was 2010’s overall winner. Sprint queen Alisha Fortune was the top female body builder in 2008 and 2010.

Last year’s winner, was CAC two-time bronze medalist and reigning Mr. Guyana, Kerwin ‘Chisel’ Clarke while Fortune was a three-peat champion.