Jamaica Amateur Body-building and Fitness Association (JABBFA) still cash strapped

by Carolyn Johnson, Star Writer

The Jamaica Amateur Body-building and Fitness Association (JABBFA) is aggressively seeking sponsorship to perform its duties as host of the 34th Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships.

The CAC Championships are scheduled to be held in Kingston at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel from September 28 to October 1.

Frederick Smith, president of the JABBFA, yesterday told STAR Sports that the association is still far from their monetary target.

"So far we have got approximately $1.5 out of a budget of $10 million. We have got promises so we are hoping that some of this will come through." he said.

Focusing on champs

While he awaits the maturation of these promises, Smith says the association is focusing on the national championships. The JABBFA's national bodybuilding championships were postponed due to the islandwide power cut on July 15. The new date is set for Sunday, August 13 at Stephanie Hall (Holy Childhood school grounds).

"People are still in training, some of them actually needed more time to get to a competition stage. Basically we are looking forward to a good championship on the 13th," Smith said.

The national championships will serve as the culmination of all local competitions (junior, fitness and senior) and preparation for the Caribbean Championships where Jamaica has been given the mandate to introduce kids fitness, which will be done as an exhibition at the championships. The CAC team will be announced following the national championships.