STUDENTS and teachers of Chase Academy were yesterday left in ‘awe’ after an impromptu visit by IBBF Pro-bodybuilder Jeff Beckham who arrived in Guyana ahead of the Hugh Ross Classic which is set for this Saturday at the National Cultural Centre. 

The visit was scheduled by Hugh Ross, in whose honour the ‘Hugh Ross Classic’ is held and, with Chase Academy coming on board as an official sponsor of the event, the students were schooled about living a healthy lifestyle and the importance of keeping their bodies in shape.
A look of astonishment gripped the faces of the students who were mostly from Forms 3 – 5, when Beckham walked in.
Displaying a front double-biceps pose and wearing a broad smile, Beckham received loud cheers from the teachers and students. He was the centre of attraction for the moment as they all hurried to get photographs with the bodybuilder.
But before the flashes from the cell phones and cameras, Beckham pointed out that he’s thrilled to have an opportunity to be in Guyana – a place he’s visiting for the first time.
“I’ve heard so much about this place and the people that I always wanted to come. So I’m very happy to be here and I’m hoping to make the best of it,” Beckham said.
However, the bodybuilder said that “as much as I’m here and want to have as much fun as possible, I want to encourage everyone to come out to the show because it’s going to be fun. I know the local guys have been training hard and I promise that you will not be disappointed when you get there”.
The Hugh Ross Classic is in its fourth year and is said to be Guyana’s premier bodybuilding event, featuring the country’s top male and female bodybuilders competing for cash incentives and other prizes.
The Miss Figure category will be for athletes who are symmetrical and toned while the Miss Bikini contest will be for the softer and more feminine eye pleasing type of figure.
The male categories are: Bantamweight – up to 65kg (143lb), Lightweight – up to 70kg (144-154lb), Welterweight – up to 75kg (155-165lb), Light Middleweight – up to 80kg (166-176lb), Heavyweight (176 and over). The respective category winners will then compete in the overall event when the winner will be crowned Mr Hugh Ross Classic 2014.