The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

AFTER watching the success of their athletes overseas, the Bahamas Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation will turn its attention to assisting one of their former competitors with an unique bodybuilding and fitness show.

The first Faye Rolle Classic, the last show for the year, is all set to be held 7pm Saturday at the Loyola Hall on Gladstone Road with eight categories being contested as the competitors compete for cash, trophies and prizes.

Nardo Dean, the public relations officer for the federation, said this would be the first of its kind where competitors won't be measured by weight or height to compete in their respective categories.

"If you are a bodybuilder, it will be one straight category from lightweight to heavyweight and the same thing for physique. It doesn't matter how tall you are. From short to tall, you will be in one line-up," Dean said.

"We will eliminate the line-up and cut it down to the top six and then of course to the top three and we will go from there."

Tickets are priced at $20 in advance, $25 at the door and $30 for VIP.

Dean said the event is being held in honour of Rolle, a former bodybuilder, who is in need of their financial support to assist with her medical expenses. He said there is a possibility that Rolle might just be in attendance at the show.

Federation president Joel Stubbs, just back from accompanying 10 Bahamians who competed in the Ben Weider Legacy Cup in Toronto, Canada, said watching Rolle compete at the beginning of 2000, they anticipated that she had the potential to emerge as a professional in the sport.

"But she was sidelined because of her medical situation and we just thought that as an association, we would give back to a woman who is worthy of all of our praises while she's still alive to let her family know and the Bahamas at large know how much we respect and appreciate Faye Rolle," he said.

"Despite her dilemma with her medical situation, we just want to be able to give back to her with her flowers while she is still alive," he added.

Stubbs said this would also provide a fun atmosphere for the competitors to compete in as they wind down the long competitive season.

Kenny Green, the vice president of the federation, said Rolle was one of their fieriest competitors, who contributed tremendously to bodybuilding and fitness.

"We want to able to recognise our athletes while they are yet still alive and although she's not her best right now, as a federation, we want to support her as best as we could," Green stated.

Part of the proceeds from the show will go to assist Rolle with her medical expenses.

"We just want to reach out our hands to her extension and give her the support she needs from the federation that she has given too tremendously with her time, efforts, energy, funds and personal sacrifices," he said.

"She was a fierce competitor who contributed much to the sport and the federation and so we just want to be there for her in her time of need."