Bodybuiding in Barbados is in need of a muscle pump, say the coordinators of the annual Barbados Bodybuilding Classic. Bernard Sealy and Ivor Worrell believe that the reduction of bodybuilding competitions over the past few years has had a negative impact on the sport and they are hoping that by having an annual natural bodybuilding competition, more bodybuilders would take to the stage and more fans would come out. The Barbados Classic includes the Pro Natural Mr and Ms Universe competition, which is sanctioned by the World Natural Bodybuilding Federation, which governs the professionals, and the International Natural Bodybuilding Federation, which governs amateurs.The natural contest first took place in Barbados in 2004 but did not take place again until 2009 and again in June this year. It has been very popular with competitors from Europe and North America. However, the response from local bodybuilders has been disappointing, with only William Morris, who has reaped success competing under the Barbados Bodybuilding Federation, taking a successful shot this year at natural bodybuilding.“Morris won the Masters and Heavyweight Amateur Universe and will be heading off to Manhattan in November to represent Barbados at the Mr World,” said Worrell, who coordinates the competition from Barbados. “There are excellent opportunities for other local bodybuilders to become involved and hopefully represent their country at the international level. “Our show will complement what is already taking place on the bodybuilding scene.”Worrell stressed that the playing field was level in natural bodybuilding.“All the competitors must take a polygraph test and a urine test, so no one would have an advantage by using banned substances.”Former international muscle champion Sealy, who coordinates the contest from the United States, said he was looking forward to making the Barbados Classic a major international event. “Our goal is to make this event as big as the Olympia weekend. “Every year bodybuilders and fans go to the Olympia because of the quality and popularity of the event, and family and friends set aside holiday for that weekend. Likewise, we are planning to make the Barbados Classic a major event and a tourism boost.”Sealy added that Barbados would benefit from exposure in the Natural Bodybuilding Magazine.
