After capturing a whopping 30 titles from 41 appearances at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships, including this year, Barbados have declared intentions of bringing the competition to these shores.
This was stated by a proud president of the Barbados Amateur Body Building and Fitness Federation, Dr Andrew Forde when the CAC champions returned home on Monday night to a warm reception at Grantley Adams International Airport.
“We have a rich and successful history in CAC and it is only fitting that we bring it home and let the fans see what this high level of competition is like.
“Hosting CAC is a monumental task from an organizational and financial point of view and we would need to work with Government and other local bodies to make such a reality in perhaps 2016, as next year the championship will be held in St Martin and Trinidad and Tobago will host in 2015,” said Forde.
This year, Barbados won a record nine categories with Stevenson Belle taking light heavyweight; Hoskyn Worrell, welterweight; first-timer Samuel Eastmond, lightweight and Laron Gibson, light middleweight in the bodybuilding section.
First-timer, Maurice Arthur captured men’s physique over 175cm; Natalie Webb, bikini fitness over 163cm; the popular Saskia Griffith, bikini fitness under 163cm, Ramona Morgan, body fitness under 163cm and Antoinette Downie, fitness.
Barbados also grabbed several second placed positions through Joseph “Runt” Bourne – who was also fifth among the masters – Marlon Dottin and Melissa Burrowes with Forde lauding the overall contribution of the team.
“Every one of the athletes produced points for us which helped to beat host Santo Domingo who had double the number of spectators which we had.”
While Barbados felt a slight disappointment when Coast Guard serviceman Belle lost the tiebreaker for the Mr CAC title to former wrestler Rafael Cabrera, of the Dominican Republic, there was great joy when the Bajans gained professional cards for the first time in bikini, fitness and men’s physique, thanks to Griffith, Downie and Arthur.
In addition, Rashida Belgrave (under 158cm) and Kim Sealy (under 168) were both third and Lynstrom Griffith fourth in the over 175cm division.
Bantamweight Mike Worrell and flyweight Curtis Kirby were both fourth and in the junior division, Shaquille Lavine was fifth and Deidre Archer fourth in women’s bodybuilding.
First-timer Arthur was elated with his achievements as he was mobbed by his girlfriend, Olivia Leach, family and friends all carrying balloons and pictorial placards.
“I am going to accept the pro card, hopefully, win some international competitions, and in about three years, I hope to put on some size to enter bodybuilding,” said Arthur, who thanked his brothers and gym mates for believing in him and pushing him towards success on stage.
Forde said that the federation had completed its shows for the year but the private Darcy Beckles Classic and the National Sports Council Mr Schoolboy and Body Fitness would be held later in the year.
However, the president said that the growth of the bikini and men’s physique would see a bigger and even better Barbados Bikini and Men’s Physique Cup being held at the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex in March 2014.
