The next big event on the September Celebrations schedule is the Mr. Belize contest where ripped muscles will be on display this weekend as Belize's buffest and toughest bodybuilders compete in the annual event at the Princess Hotel and Casino.
And while it will be a muscle fest, the Belize Amateur Bodybuilding Association has added an added attraction for the men. It’s the Women's Physique Contest where fit, but not necessarily ripped women will be showing off their figures. And while that's to fill the house with spectators of both sexes, the main attraction will be the men who will be in a pose off for the top prize. The competitors were in final preparations at Neal and Guy's gym this evening and we stopped in for a preview.
Gilroy Nembhard, Mr. Belize Contestant
“I am working very hard for this contest. Its been a month since I returned back from the United States and from the time I returned back I am been putting in hard work morning and evening. So I feel I am in tip top shape, I am ready.”
KS: So preparing for this has been like a fulltime job?
Gilroy Nembhard,
“Yes it’s a fulltime job. I give my heart to bodybuilding right now. Its really my work.”
KS: What do you think your chances will be the year?
Gilroy Nembhard,
“Well I am very confident going in. I’m very confident. I’m always one of the suspect whenever I come because my mouth usually do the work for me but this time I’m going to let my body show the action.”
Guy Neal, Mr. Belize Contestant
“I am feeling pretty good. This year I am in the best condition ever and no doubt in my mind I will win the Master’s.”
KS: What kind of work have you put into preparing?
Guy Neal,
“Well we started working out about 2 months ago. The workout is going pretty good and we cannot wait any longer.”
KS: Literally how do you measure up to the competition?
Guy Neal,
“Well we are humans and you lose some and you win some, that is what makes you a good sportsman.”
Joseph McClaren, Mr. Belize Contestant
“This is going to be my last competition for this year because at 55 I think I’ve had enough of the sport and its time for me to give these young people a chance but I will do my best to win the championship. In 1975 I was the first person to represent Belize in the Central American Championships and I opened the door for these young people.”
KS: Tell us about the women’s competition.
Alfred McKenzie, Vice-President BABA
“It is something that is being introduced in the sport of bodybuilding through the IBB. It mainly calls for a well-toned physique, a nice shape, and basically that’s it. There is no routine and no flexing of muscles no nothing. Its for probably the females that just want to keep in shape and keep toned up and you could take it from there.”
KS: So these won’t be muscled/buff females?
Alfred McKenzie,
“No.”
KS: So sexy females?
Alfred McKenzie,
“Exactly and with a well-toned body and a well shaped body.”
The bodybuilding competition begins at 7:30 at the Princess Hotel. Tickets are $10 for adults and $2 for children. The winners will get cash prizes.
7NEWS produced for broadcast by News Director Jules Vasquez
Edited for the internet by Keith Swift