Andy Ismail
KUCHING: Sarawak Bodybuilding Association (SBBA) are hoping for more organisations, including those in the corporate and non-governmental sector, to hold sports competitions open to the public.
Such events, SBBA honorary secretary Andy Ismail believed, could further motivate local athletes, especially youths.
“As far as our experience in bodybuilding goes, events like the upcoming Mr Boulevard 2015 can become the launching pad for our young athletes to reach greater heights in their game.
“Many of Sarawak top bodybuilders today made their debut at competitions of this kind.
“As such, it would be very encouraging for local organisations to continue hosting this kind of championships, as a way to further boost the sport,” he said yesterday in a publicity release on this year’s Mr Boulevard championships, to be held at Boulevard Shopping Mall’s New Wing here this Saturday.
Andy hailed the Boulevard Group and Borneo Bodybuilding Supplement (BBS) for continuously supporting many sports programmes, including bodybuilding.
He also threw a challenge to local gym operators to collaborate with travel agencies in hosting open competitions in the state.
According to him, such endeavour could also help in boosting the tourism industry here.
“It (open competitions) is a part of sports tourism – a field yet to be fully tapped in Sarawak. I believe bodybuilding is among the sports that the state could capitalise on for this.
“Many of our Asean neighbours have done this. For example, Thailand has its Siam Classics, while the Philippines has its annual Boracay open championships.
“Even Kuala Lumpur has begun to explore this opportunity. I believe with good partnerships, we can also do it,” he said.
Meanwhile, Andy called on Mr Boulevard contestants to gather at BBS outlet near Jalan Ban Hock here for weigh-in at 10am on Saturday.
“This will also include participants for Mr BBS as there will be a briefing on the competition, which is scheduled to begin at 6pm this Saturday.”
The bodybuilding segment of Mr Boulevard will feature two categories, namely Senior Under-70kg and Senior Over-70kg.
Winner of each category, including Mr BBS, will walk away with RM1,000, while the runner-up and third place finisher will receive RM500 and RM200.
For Mr BBS, the finalists placing fourth and fifth will each bag RM100.
All category winners including Mr BBS will vie for the ‘Champion of Champions’ title for the final showdown. For more details, contact Andy at 012-8862220, Sonny Chia (016-8998263) / Adrian Wong (019-8184343).