By Andrew Coakley
Freeport, Grand Bahama- From all indications, this year's Northern Bahamas Bodybuilding Show is expected to be one of the biggest shows ever.
Last year, with about 15 competitors in all, the Regency Theatre was jam-packed and fans enjoyed a great show. This year, with over 30 competitors, two guest posers and athletes from the USA being a part of the show, it is expected that this year's show will definitely eclipse last year's show.
"I want to encourage fans to get their tickets early," said Maurice Hall, president of the Grand Bahama Bodybuilding and Fitness Association.
"As you know last year we had standing room only and that was with just 15 competitors, so we know that this year will be even crazier. We already have over 30 competitors and there is still more time for others to sign up.
"So, to avoid any problems we will not be selling any tickets at the door (unless necessary) and only those people with tickets will be allowed in the theatre."
Hall is confident that this year's Show will be bigger and better.
Set for June 26 at the Regency Theatre, the Northern Bahamas Bodybuilding and fitness show is expected to draw a huge crowd.
"Body figure is for females only and it is not bodybuilding, but it is more about the ladies showing how toned they are," explained Hall.
"They train and work out, but they are not concerned about building muscles, but being toned and sexy at the same time."
And the athletes who apparently draw huge crowds are all expected to be a part of this year's show.
Hall admitted that the Body figure competition has become extremely popular over the years, simply because it's what most women want, that look of being in shape, yet maintain that sexy appearance.
There will be four classes in the body figure, namely 'A' division (women up to 5' 2''), 'B' division (up to 5' 3''), 'C' division (up to 5' 5'') and 'D' division (women over 5' 5'').
"This competition is going to be hot," said Hall.
"When you talk about having athletes like Petra Brice, Dominique Wilkinson, Charmaine McNabb and some of those girls out of Nassau competing on the same stage, it is going to be very, very competitive."
Asked if defending champion in the body fitness division from last year, Charnice Bain will be competing again in that division, Hall said that's not confirmed.
However, he did note that a few newcomers to Body fitness who are expected to compete for the first time will be like the icing on the cake, making the competition even stronger.
"The main thing will be to see Petra back on the stage," said Hall.
"She's a veteran and everyone knows how hard it is to beat her. Petra is like the Lenda Murray of Body Fitness, she's experienced, dedicated and anyone who goes up against her have to bring their 'A' game at every step."
In the female bodybuilding, there will be two divisions, light and heavyweight. Defending female bodybuilder is Tammy Stubbs and she's coming back bigger and better this year.
Hall says that Tammy is more focused and it appears that she's eager to win that title again. There will be some strong competition from Nassau in the ladies' bodybuilding.
Phyllis Stuart, last year's novice bodybuilder who was in the heavyweight division will be back and sources say she's improved tremendously. But Phyllis will have to be at the top of her game to take on one or two heavyweights from Nassau and Long Island.
There are rumours that if Long Island brought in some of the ladies who competed at last year's Nationals, there could be some serious upsets at the Northern Bahamas Championships.
In the men's bodybuilding, get this, there could be some five divisions of competition - bantam (up to 142 lb), lightweight (up to 154 lb), Welterweight (up to 164 lb), light middleweight (up to 176lb), middleweight (up to 187lb), light heavyweight (up to 198lb), heavyweight (up to 220 lb), and super heavyweight (over 220 lb).
Will there be competitors in all of those divisions at the Northern Bahamas Show?
"We're prepared for all of them, and I believe that except for one or two, depending on what happens once these guys have dieted down, we could see most of those categories filled," said Hall.
"We're expecting about 11 male bodybuilding athletes from Nassau, so combine that with the local male bodybuilders and you can see we will have a full house and competitive show."
Hall said that to pull off a show of this magnitude is dependent upon the sponsors, who really make it happen. He's thankful to companies like Frecon, the GB Port Authority, Pelican Bay and Bodyfit Gym for helping to make the show possible.
Again, Hall is urging fans to get their tickets early because they're expecting a full house. Tickets can be found at GB Fitness and from Association members. "No doubt, this show will be sold out again," said Hall.
