By Michelangelo Jacobus

“EVERYTHING is in place, the stage is set and the venue is secure” was the revelation made by President of the Guyana Body Building and Fitness Federation (GBBFF), Coel Marks.

Speaking to Chronicle Sport about the federation’s Novices Championships set for tomorrow ( Sunday) at the National Cultural Centre (NCC), Marks said that he is pleased by the response from athletes and especially noted, that this year there are a lot of female entries along with the customary influx of contestants in the men’s ‘Physique’ category.

“The athletes are very enthused and the large number of contestants we have this year, we hope it can translate over to the seniors (Championships). We still have body builders coming in nicely, we are encouraging persons to come out and see the new talent and maybe even get involved in bodybuilding themselves.”

In terms of sponsorship, Marks maintained that the federation itself is bearing the brunt of the financial backing of the championships along with Fitness Express who are usual sponsors in that regard.

The reason for the federation taking charge in the financial aspect is because the administration would want to focus their ‘outreach’ for the more marquee Senior Championships later in the year, which is the flagship event for the GBBFF.

In addition, Coel’s Boutique and Gandhi’s are sponsoring trophies and individual prizes.

As the championships keep growing, the GBBFF has now shifted the Novices meet to the NCC from the customary Theatre Guild venue, to facilitate the growing audience of fitness and bodybuilding fans, as well as competitors.

The Novices Championships will kick off at the NCC from 19:00hrs under the theme ‘Simply the best… better than all the rest’.

Tickets to the event cost $1, 500 and can be purchased from the NCC, Fitness Express, Space Gym and Fitness 53.