Big prizes in Darrem Charles Bodybuilding

Over $30,000 in trophies, hampers and cash prizes will be at stake in the inaugural Darrem Charles Invitational Classic to be hosted at the Joao Havelange Centre of Excellence, Macoya by Aquarius Fitness Company on November 6. The show will be a celebration of the former Junior Mr T&T and the 1988 Overall Mr Trinidad and Tobago champion. It will also be an opportunity for the celebrated bodybuilder to get back in touch with Trinidad and Tobago, especially after a hectic season that includes the Mr Olympia competition in which he is being touted as a top contender.

Charles will be afforded a hero’s welcome during which he will make a courtesy call on Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs and the Member of Parliament for Arouca North where his home town is situated. Charles will also visit his former primary school and host a seminar on health and fitness at the Centre of Excellence among other engagements. Currently seventh in the world, Charles is carded to return to home soil on the heels of his Mr Olympia appearance in peak condition and ready to give the locals a taste of what he has been offering the world as a representative of Trinidad and Tobago. The classic, in the works for two years, features men and women competing over two legs, the morning pre-competition judging from 10-11 am and the evening competition from 7-11 pm.

The women will compete for top honours in the Open Bodybuilding Classa and Fitness Pose Off while the men will square off in three divisions — Teenage, Masters, Novice and in their respective weight classes. Amery Rauseo, chairman of the organising committee, revealed that there are  plans to open up the competition in 2005 to include international competitors and that there is already a good buzz throughout the bodybuilding community about the classic almost ensuring its success. General Admission is $100, $125 is for Special Reserve and $150 for VIP. For further information call Aquarius Fitness Company at 636-7415.