The Guyana Amateur Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (GABBFF) has given the green light to the organizers of the Hugh Ross Classics but in a ground breaking move, bodybuilders, who are interested in taking part in this competition are likely to be tested if all goes well with the negotiations between the organizers and a private lab.
It was earlier stated that the bodybuilders who will be taking part in the competition would not be tested due to the unavailability of facilities here.
But, former president of the GABBFF Andre Poonai, replying to a question from the media with regards to the testing of the bodybuilders stated that negotiations were presently ongoing with a private medical lab to have the testing done.
Also addressing members of the media was president of the GABBFF, Frank Tucker, who said that he was happy that the two bodies were able to iron out the differences.
He stated that the GABBFF had officially sanctioned the event which will be held on April 20 at the National Cultural Centre.
“I must express my feelings of joy if I may say so as I sit here this morning. Having looked back at the series of events that followed the launching of this event which is named after Guyana’s world renowned bodybuilder Hugh Ross a few weeks ago, I must say that the rough edges have been made smooth and the GABBFF has fully sanctioned the event.”
“Everything has gone quite well following an interaction between the two bodies. We have been working quite well together and will be meeting on a regular basis to ensure that prizes amongst other things are in place for this event,” said Tucker.
He added:”We will be keeping a close relationship with the organizing committee to ensure all the guidelines that have been set out by the GABBFF have been followed so as to ensure the smooth running off of this event which I predict, will be a very good activity for bodybuilding locally.
“The Hugh Ross Classics can be an event that will form part of the GABBFF calendar of events each year.”
To further market the event which is expected to bring the best bodybuilders in Guyana to the stage, the organizing committee, which comprises Poonai, former Mr. Guyana 1999 Leroy George, Dexter `Bushman’ Garnett and Franklyn Wilson will be travelling to Linden, Berbice and West Demerara to update potential bodybuilders who are desirous of being a part of the competition of the criteria.
“We have two new categories which will be put in place for this event. The first one is the heavyweight catering for bodybuilders who weigh 198lbs and above and the other is the Ms. Body fitness bringing the total number of categories to nine,” George said.
He added: “We expect the athletes to be in the best of condition to participate in this event which is an open one.”
Corporate support for the event has been going well also with Dhanson’s Trading Limited, Banks DIH, Footwork’s Plus, Ansa McAl, Sanjay’s Jewellery, Car Care Enterprise and North American Airlines coming on board to support the event, following Ocean View International Hotel, with the latter taking the opportunity to officially present to the organizers, their letter of commitment.
Apart from the individual category prizes, bodybuilders will also be competing for the coveted overall title of Mr. Hugh Ross.
Ross himself, along with three other world renowned bodybuilders, will grace the venue with their presence as guest posers on the night of the event.
The organizers have promised to keep the public informed as events unfold leading up to the competition.
