Bodybuilding year in review
Due to financial constraints, the year 2018 was not by any means a banner year for the local bodybuilding federation and its athletes.
But if current President of the body, Coel Marks had one New Year’s wish, it would be the passage of the long awaited Sports Policy that includes incentives for business entities that lend support for local disciplines.
“I’d like to see the establishment of the Sports Policy that has a component that truly incentivizes corporate Guyana to get on-board behind sports, making it easier for administrators to bargain and bridge the gap with corporate Guyana” said Marks recently.
He added that with such a policy in place, business persons supporting sports will be able to get tangible returns for lending support.
Pound-for-pound, bodybuilding athletes are arguably the least rewarded with incentives for performing with distinction and medaling on international stages.
Marks admitted that 2018 was “Surely a tough year for the federation.” The body was unable to host its intermediate championships and was unable to fulfill planned outreaches which required financial resources. He also noted that there were some administrative discrepancies “where we didn’t meet some deadlines of which as President I accept accountability for.”
In his overview of 2018, Marks then pointed out that the federation successfully hosted the Novices and the flagship Senior Championships which were fully funded from the proceeds from previous shows and one sponsor.
Marks then noted that the federation’s proudest moments came with “Our ability to continue financially supporting our athletes on all overseas performances for the year.” Compliments of Bruce Whatley and Emmerson Campbell, Team Guyana snared two gold medals and a silver medal at the CAC Championships in Mexico.
After posing and flexing his way to two gold medals, Whatley also snared a Pro card at the Regions’ most prestigious bodybuilding event.
Said Marks “Furthermore, we were able to hold a Judges’ seminar hosted by the Vice President of the CAC Judges Committee Mr. Errol Williams. What this did was boost our judges capacity and certified news judges. An action that’ll benefit all stakeholders in the sport.”
Meanwhile, the Annual General Meeting which will see the election of office bearers will be held in early February and once re-elected, Marks stated that “Going forward we want to continue to have our athletes feel supported and foster better ties so we can facilitate them better.”
He then encouraged persons to attend and toss their hats in the ring and become a part of the process.