What is generally regarded as the most exciting event on the BBFF's calendar, and arguably one of the more exciting events in local sports, is less than three weeks away.
The Bahamas Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (BBFF) is about to kick off its 2010 season with its 24th Annual BBFF Novice Championships. That grand event is set for Saturday May 22 at the National Centre for the Performing Arts on Shirley Street. The event is set to get underway at 7:30 p.m. that night, and according to federation president Danny Sumner, it will feature about 15-20 athletes competing in men's bodybuilding, women's bodybuilding, fitness and body fitness.
"We expect this one to be very exciting. It's our first event of the year and we are looking forward to it," said Sumner. "All of the competitors look like they will be first-timers which will make it even more interesting. The Novice Championships is always one of our biggest events, and with all of the competitors being first-timers, fans would want to come out and see who the newcomers in the sport are," he added.
In men's bodybuilding, athletes will be classified into various divisions, namely lightweight, welterweight, middleweight, light heavyweight and heavyweight. Only two weight divisions, lightweight and heavyweight will be contested in women's bodybuilding. As far as body fitness is concerned, athletes will compete in the 'A' category - up to 5'3" - and in the 'B' category - over 5'3". One open division will be contested in the fitness category. Also, the novice championships will cater to junior athletes in both bodybuilding and fitness. Athletes up to age 21 are classified as juniors.
"What we're really trying to do is build the federation," said Sumner. "We know that the future of the federation lies in the young adults so we want to focus on that. We are really trying to get the high schools involved this year, and let the young athletes know that there is a future for them in the sport.
Registration for the event officially starts this Saturday at the Mystical Fitness Gym in Palmdale. Sumner is asking all interested participants to come out to the gym at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday so that they can receive an update on the event and be notified of their requirements. The weigh-in is set for May 21 at Mystical Fitness Gym from 6-8:00 p.m., and the actual event will be held the following night.
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