… Perry to guest-pose
THE National Cultural Centre (NCC) will come alive on Sunday May 2, when the Guyana Amateur Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (GABBFF)-sanctioned second Hugh Ross Classics (HRC) male bodybuilding and female fitness competition muscles off.

Organiser Dexter Garnett (left), along with secretary of the GABBFF, Franklyn Wilson, and HRC athletes’ coordinator Leroy George, watches as president of the GABBFF Frank Tucker (second left) and Guyana’s pro bodybuilder Hugh Ross shake hands after the press briefing yesterday. (Photo by Calvin Roberts)

A surprise omission from the lineup in the male category is the inaugural champion Mark ‘Uno’ Perry, who has been asked and has willingly accepted to compete as a guest poser on the night of the event, along with Sylvon Gardner and another bodybuilder who is yet to be identified.

According to Guyana’s first professional bodybuilder Hugh Ross after whom the championship is named, as a means of recognition for his exploits on the professional circuit, this year’s event will certainly be bigger and better than the inaugural one held in 2008 at the same venue.

“We’ve had some glitches from the first show – which was expected – but having had a look back at that, we know what is expected, hence we are much more prepared for this upcoming event, which we promise will be bigger and better,” said Ross at the press briefing which was held at the Windjammer Hotel yesterday.

He said, “Unlike the first show where only a specific set of athletes were allowed to compete, all eligible athletes irrespective of their category whether it is Novices, Intermediate or Seniors, can compete.

Perry was asked to compete as a guest-poser, as he is in a category by himself and anytime he is ready, he can turn up and walk away with the top prize in any bodybuilding championship, as it would be difficult for him to be beaten here on the local scene, hence we asked him to guest-pose on the night of the show and he readily agreed to do so.”

Meanwhile, president of the GABBFF Frank Tucker congratulated the organising committee of the HRC which is being led by his predecessor Andre Poonai and Dexter Garnett for their sterling efforts in pulling off the first show.

“I welcome the opportunity to not only sanction, but also give my full support as president of the GABBFF to the organising committee for the HRC. This event is a shot in the arm for the sport of bodybuilding here in Guyana and I must extend my gratitude to Hugh Ross who willing consented to have this event named after him.

“The idea that was borne in the mind of both Mr Poonai and Garnett was a well-conceived one two years ago and with the second edition of the show being set for this year, I am looking forward to working with the HRC Committee in ensuring that it is a success, granted with the full blessings of the GABBFF,” said Tucker.

While the prizes are yet to be formalised, secretary of the GABBFF Franklyn Wilson did say that the top three positions in the five weight divisions, namely bantamweight, lightweight, welterweight, middleweight and light heavyweight, will receive prizes, along with the Ms HRC Fitness winner.

The distribution of registration forms for the event which will see former Mr Guyana, Leroy George, execute the duties of athletes’ coordinator, will commence on Wednesday at all recognised gyms, the Upper Level Barber Shop and all executive members of the HRC committee, with Monday March 15 being identified as the closing date for the submission of same.