By Michelangelo Jacobus

THE Guyana Body Building and Fitness Federation (GBBFF), under the leadership of Coel Marks and his trustworthy executives, has slowly but surely put the sport into the spotlight amid a growing fan base and increasing interest from athletes.
The sport is no longer viewed as just for “muscle obsessed” persons, but those who are into fitness are now paying keen attention.

In a recent interview, GBBFF Marks indicated that the “physique’ category has seen an influx of athletes who wish to compete on the stage. However, he noted that this is what the Novices Championship is all about, bringing persons into the sport, as the GBBFF seeks to expand countrywide and help to further develop athletes.

The Novices Championship is scheduled for April 8 at the National Cultural Centre where Marks and company are hoping to attract at least 500 patrons, a major step up from the 300 who witnessed the event last year at the Theatre Guild in Kingston.
The event, which is known generally as the place where “stars are born”, will kick off at 19:00hrs. Patrons can pick up tickets for just $1 500 from several locations including Buddy’s Gym, Fitness 53, Space Gym and the National Cultural Centre.
This year’s Novices Championship will see an array of entertainment from dancing troupes to local singers and performers, along with the customary competitions in the various weight classes.

In addition, last year’s winner of the Novices Championship, Nolan Smith, will be a guest-poser. He will kick things off and fans will have a chance to see how he has progressed since winning last year’s edition.

In a move to pay homage to Guyana’s athletes, the GBBFF will try to have the guest-posers exclusively from Guyana, as it seeks to move away from bringing in too many foreign athletes.