THE Guyana Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (GBBFF) has decided to host a celebratory bodybuilding competition on December 5, at the National Cultural Centre.

The competition, which is expected to attract a number of seasoned musclemen, would however be done without spectators.

Viewers can watch the event via social media or on television.

President of the federation, Keavon Bess, who was hoping to host the Senior Championships (Mr Guyana) later this year, noted that due to restrictions in place it would be impossible for senior athletes to get stage-ready for such an event.

“We concluded that athletes would have not been afforded the time to prepare for a Seniors competition and with the closure of gyms it’s impossible for athletes to prepare their bodies for a competition of the magnitude as a Seniors competition, between whenever gyms are opened and the fifth of December.”

Bess said that the upcoming competition would help to improve the mood of people who are affected by the pandemic.

“We have dubbed this competition ‘Resilience’. It’s basically our way as bodybuilders in saying that we have the resilience … and all Guyanese have the resilience to overcome the difficulties experienced due to COVID-19.”

According to the GBBFF head, the date of the competition is only tentative “on the uncontrollable rise of cases or the restrictions that government may implement”.

The competition would be open to all categories and among the big names expected is reigning Mr Guyana Marlon Bennett.