A capacity crowd was favourably impressed when a number of bodybuilding athletes showed off their muscular physiques at the Rodney Mac Arthur Rey Auditorium on Saturday July 9.
The athletes, who have been training at several gyms and fitness centres, in Anguilla, made various appearances to the encouraging cheers of the spectators.
Among the onlookers was Mr. Cardigan Connor, Parliamentary Secretary with responsibility for Sports. He was asked by The Anguillian how body-building fitted in his portfolio.
“Very highly,” he replied. “What you find is that in modern-day sport – in fact you go back to competitive sport over the years to Charles Atlas – building the muscle is very important. Even with distant runners, especially sprinters, it is very much a case of bodybuilding and weight training. You also find, in all forms of sport, bodybuilding plays a major role. It is great for recovery from injury and things like that. The fact that most people look to building beautiful bodies, by carving out the best possible weight and figure of their physique, is also important.”
Even as he spoke, the bodybuilding competition was in progress. In the Men’s Physique and Novice category, Maurice Sinclair captured first place. The young Hodge brothers – Kishorn and Kiron – took second and third place respectively.
In the Men’s Physique Open, McChwir Lewis recaptured first place; Vernon “Twidy” Carty came second and Duquaine Brooks third.
Geshaun Clarke reclaimed first place for the fourth time in the Men’s Open Bodybuilding. Verdine Connor placed second and McCiver Peter, third.
Deidra Bell was the lone athlete in the Bikini category – and in the children’s segment, Kaeae Rey was the only participant.
The winners received trophies and cash prizes. All the athletes were presented with participatory medals.
The Anguilla Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation has expressed thanks to the various sponsors for contributing towards the success of the event.
