Bodybuilder George tops classic

DAMIAN GEORGE was adjudged overall men’s winner at the inaugural Darrem Charles Invitational Bodybuilding Classic at the Andre Kamperveen Hall, Dr Joao Havelange Centre of Excellence, Macoya. The event, which ended close to midnight on Saturday, featured guest performances by Trinidad and Tobago’s international star, Darrem Charles. The Florida, US resident, who recently placed tenth at the Mr Olympia competition, was joined on stage by another veteran poser Juan Carve, and they delighted the large audience with their dazzling moves and muscular power. George had earlier captured the men’s middleweight trophy, ahead of the evergreen Dexter “Crab” Litterean and Daren Guy. In fact, the top two fought neck and neck but George’s superior muscular prowess got the better of his challengers. Alan Checkley was an easy winner in the men’s lightweight, followed by Cyprian Wallen and Robert Walcott, while Sheldon Gibson comfortably took the men’s light-heavyweight crown, with Alan Steeple and Miguel Jagessar trailing.

In a decision which surprised many in the crowd, the smiling Lee Beatrice was given the nod in the men’s heavyweight category ahead of Adrian Cordner and the highly-fancied Anthony Morris. Frail-looking Serenia James copped the women’s open title, followed by the pint-sized Camille Abdul-Goberdhan and veteran Esther Mohammed. Anslem Julien walked away with the masters crown, with Clive Bengochea and George Charles following while Robert Sancho claimed the novice title, ahead of Bryan Mungal and Derek Jordan. Lesley Ann Roy defeated her lone challenger Andrea Mohess for the Body Fitness Trophy while Karen George was the lone competitor in the Miss Fitness category. Among the tournament sponsors were National Flour Mills, Citadel Limited, Millenium Fitness, Xtra Malt and the newly-formed Carnival band Legacy. The Trinidad and Tobago Bodybuilding Federation (TTBF) will be hosting their Seniors Championship on November 20 at a venue to be announced.