Internationally renowned bodybuilder Hugh Ross says he is fully behind the proposed Hugh Ross Classics which will see the best bodybuilders in Guyana vying for the Mr. Hugh Ross Classics title.
Ross, who resides in the United States of America, has been following the latest developments in the press regarding the show proposed for April 20 at the National Cultural Centre to honour his outstanding contributions to the sport and Guyana
The well respected muscleman in a statement said he was well aware of the show and had been keeping up to date with the plans.
Ross said he had been approached some time ago by Dexter ‘Bushman’ Garnett, who came up with the idea to bring off such a championship.
Ross said all along he had encouraged the organizers to ensure that the governing body gave its blessings and was informed that a letter was delivered to the secretary informing the body about the championship and seeking their approval.
“I was told that the vice president, Frank Tucker knows and approves and a formal letter pertaining to the event was hand delivered to the GABBFF’s General Secretary Bruce Whatley. I further indicated that they (organizers) should have a meeting with the GABBFF’s committee. They agreed and assured me that this will be done.”
Last Saturday a committee which included president of the Guyana Amateur Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation Andre Poonai, Franklyn Wilson, Dexter Garnett and George Marshall held a press conference at which the date for the staging of the competition was announced.
The committee did not state that the tournament had not been sanctioned by the governing body and on Monday, the GABBF, issued a press release stating that the tournament had not received the blessings of the body.
“There are certain procedures that must be in place before the GABBFF can sanction any event held under its banner. Up to this time, the organising committee has not come forward with the required procedures,” the release from the GABBFF stated.
Poonai, later admitted that the event had not been sanctioned by the GABBFF executive but told this newspaper that he had gotten a verbal commitment from vice-president Frank Tucker.
Ross was optimistic that a resolution to the impasse could be found.
“I sincerely hope that our GABBFF, which I will continue to support regardless, is able to iron out their current internal complications. Let’s all work towards the future upliftment and development of our wonderful sport, bodybuilding,” he said.
