OVER 25 fitness enthusiasts, inclusive of five females, will take centre stage at the Guyana Amateur Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation Novice Championships, which is billed for the Theatre Guild on May 18.

Kevon Bess, who won the presidency of the federation in March, told the Guyana Chronicle that the new executive members have been working hard to get systems in place for the first bodybuilding competition for 2019 and have had outreach missions to several gyms in Georgetown, Linden, East Coast Demerara and Berbice.

“This competition will see at least 25 athletes on stage; this is after a dip in the number of athletes competing in bodybuilding competition. It’s always a task to get new athletes, but with our proactive outreach to different gyms throughout Guyana we were able to meet athletes in their comfort space and to encourage them to take the stage.”

Amongst the gyms expected to be a part of the event includes Power House Gym (Berbice), L and I Fitness Gym (Essequibo), Upper Demerara Barbell Club, Space Gym, Fitness 53, Tower Gym, Body Alive, Total Fitness, Perry’s Gym, Benjamin’s Gym, Fitness Paradise, Extreme Fitness Club and Life Gym.

Tickets will cost $1,500 and the show is expected to start at 19:00h.

BECKLES CLASSIC AND IFBB FEE
The executive members are also working on selecting a team to represent Guyana at the Darcy Beckles Classic, which is set for Barbados in July.

One of the main hurdles according to Bess (who had also served as head of the GABBFF from 2012-2016) is to secure payment to the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB).

“Another task that we have at hand is the payment of some $2,500,000.00 to IFBB, so that our athletes can compete at the IFBB affiliates competition. Discussions on the issue of a partial or whole waiver of the said fees were in progress before my departure from office in 2017. Unfortunately, those discussions and negotiations were not followed up and we ended up at square one. Hopefully, this nightmarish issue can be settled once and for all and our athletes can compete at the highest level without any hindrance.”