Found at: http://www.anguillaguide.com/article/articleprint/3744/-1/127/
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Anguilla Successfully Hosts 11th Bodybuilding & Fitness Championship
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On Saturday July 15th, Rumza rocked as the Anguilla Amateur Bodybuilding & Fitness Association (AABBA) hosted the 11th Annual Eastern Caribbean Bodybuilding & Fitness Championships. This was the first time Anguilla was granted the honor of hosting this prestigious event in which they successfully met the challenge!
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Top winners in the Bodybuilding Show
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In all 25 athletes participated in the championship, representing six Eastern Caribbean nations including, Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, St. Maarten, St. Vincent & The Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago and last, but certainly not least, the host nation of Anguilla with 6 athletes.
The tone was set for the evening as the show began with a beautiful rendition of the Anguilla National Song performed by Ms. Jemila Morson, who also delighted the audience later in the evening with a choreographed dance routine. In addition, the crowd was dazzled by vocal performances from “Gossip” Jason Lloyd as well as Miguel Franklyn who both performed admirably.
The Championships opened with the Women’s Body Fitness Category. Anguilla was well represented with three beautiful ladies taking part in the respective short and tall classes. Jessica Cognette of Anguilla took 2nd place in the short class, while in the tall class Delvicia Mac Donna and Kafi Gumbs both of Anguilla finished 3rd and 4th respectively. The President of the AABBA, Mr. Peter Vasilis, stated that “I am extremely pleased and proud with all of the three women that represented Anguilla. They all did a fantastic job considering this was their first ever show. I look forward to their further success in future events as they continue to progress in the sport.”
Anguilla was also very well represented with three participants in the Men’s Bodybuilding Categories. Verdine Connor, one of the two Anguillian athletes represented in a very tight Middleweight Division, looked spectacular and earned a 3rd place finish. “This is the best condition I have ever seen Verdine. I am very proud of his efforts and dedication to a healthy lifestyle and the sport of bodybuilding. His efforts were rewarded by his great performance in the show,” stated Mr. Vasilis. Also in the Middleweight Category, Desmond Paul placed a very respectable 4th.
The Bodybuilding portion of the event concluded with the Men’s Heavy-weight Category in which Vernon Carty of Anguilla commanded 2nd place with top honors awarded to Ollyn Martin of Antigua & Barbuda.
The Overall Men’s Bodybuilding Champion was the Light Heavy-weight from Antigua & Barbuda, Steve Williams who was ripped from head to toe, with great size and symmetry. Candice Carr of Trinidad & Tobago won the Overall Women’s Bodybuilding title in impressive fashion.
Also on the night, AABBA Vice President, Lelia Richardson, was recognized for her dedication and long standing commitment to the AABBA. Ms. Richardson was awarded a plaque of honor by the Caribbean & Central America President, Lt. Col. Bruce Barclay.
The event concluded as the massive guest poser IFBB Pro Lawrence “The Beast” Marshall “shook the stage.”
CAC President Lt. Col. Barclay publicly commended the AABBA President Peter Vasilis on behalf of the entire AABBA for their hard work and exceptional performance in organizing such a successful event. President Barclay was particularly impressed by the hospitality extended to the entire bodybuilding delegation by the country of Anguilla. The other members of the AABBA include Lelia Richardson - Vice President, Margie Hodge – Treasurer, Patricia Broomes – Public Relations, Vernette Reid – Secretary and Joseph Pradel – Athlete Representative.
AABBA President Vasilis further remarked that, “… I cannot over express my gratitude to the AABBA members and all the others that helped make this event a phenomenal success!”
The AABBA wishes to thank all of the sponsors and supporters who helped contribute to the success of the event – The Government of Anguilla, Ministry of Social Services, Education Department, Chris Cutler - Fun Time Charters, St. Regis/Temenos Villas, National Bank of Anguilla, Kent Webster – Triple K Car Rental, ABF Shipping, Caribbean Cable Communications, Kingsley Richardson, Dale Rogers, Hayden Hughes, The Anguilla Great House, Lanville Harrigan – Safe Cargo Services, as well as everyone who attended and showed their strong enthusiasm and support for all of the athletes during the show.
“This event helped put Anguilla on the bodybuilding map. We were tested and the AABBA came through with flying colours,” concluded President Vasilis.
The AABBA looks forward to the Mr. & Ms. Anguilla National Bodybuilding & Fitness Championships to be held on Saturday August 19th. The team is also preparing for the Caribbean and Central America Bodybuilding & Fitness Championships in Jamaica later this September.