St. George’s, October 4, 2009: A group athletes visiting Grenada for a regional bodybuilding competition has been inviting to return to enjoy programmes in sports, culture and tourism being developed by the National Democratic Congress government.

The invitation was extended Saturday by Tourism Minister Hon. Glynis Roberts as she addressed athletes and officials attending the 37th Central American & Caribbean Bodybuilding & Fitness Championships. Participants include bodybuilders from several English-speaking countries, as well as from El Salvador, Puerto Rico, Venezuela and the Netherlands Antilles.

“We expect many of you who are visiting will return to enjoy our Sports-Tourism and Cultural programmes, which the current government has been hard at work developing and enhancing,’’ said Mrs. Roberts, who is also Member of Parliament for St. George South.

The minister was speaking at the Grenada Trade Centre where other local officials included Governor-General Sir Carlyle Glean, and Sports Minister and MP for St. Andrew South-East, Hon. Patrick Simmons.

She said government is highly concerned about the wellness of the Grenadian people and regards sports as a “major vehicle to living healthier, happier and more productive lives.’’

The Tourism Minister called for greater participation of nationals in all sports, including bodybuilding.

“I encourage local administrators and officials to organise regular mini bodybuilding events, which could culminate in larger regional championships,’’ Minister Roberts said. “This will not only be good for the sport and for our athletes but also for tourism. The tourism impact will be tremendous.’’

Here is the text of the minister’s address:

GREETINGS!

The Government of Grenada, through the Ministry of Tourism, is pleased to be associated with the 37th Central American & Caribbean Bodybuilding & Fitness Championship. It is indeed a pleasure to have so many of our Caribbean and Central American Brothers and Sisters – athletes and officials alike – gracing the shores of our Tri-Island Nation. I extend to you a very warm welcome on behalf of all the people of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

Two brothers – Joe and Ben Weider – were the founders of the International Federation of Bodybuilders (I.F.B.B.) in 1946. Since then, membership in the I.F.B.B., and interest in bodybuilding as a serious recreational activity, have spread to many countries around the world. In the Caribbean and Latin America, for example, bodybuilding has definitely been gaining more momentum with each passing year.

For many, including some bodybuilders themselves, bodybuilding’s main goal is this: having an attractive muscular physique. The final product, resulting in the sculpture of the human body, has become an art in itself; and this is the image which is at the back of some people’s minds when they engage in fitness programs. But for us, the Government of Grenada, bodybuilding is more than just an exercise to achieve well-defined body contours. This Government, led by Prime Minister The Honourable Tillman Thomas, came into office just over a year ago with a vision and a recognition that sports is a major contributor to a healthy and productive society. We have an intense concern about human health and the wellness of our people, and regard sports as a key component of youth and national development.

Like I.F.B.B. co-founder Ben Weider, we see sports – whether bodybuilding, football, table tennis, cricket, basketball or track and field – as more than participating in a sporting event. It is a major vehicle to living healthier, happier and more productive lives. Therefore, those of you competing in this championship – whether you medal or not – you will leave Grenada as a winner. You will leave a winner because you have set the standard for fitness. You are motivators for persons aspiring to be fit and this is commendable, and you should give yourselves a rousing round of applause!

Grenada has been holding its own at several bodybuilding competitions over the years, including gold at Central American & Caribbean Championships. Mr. Vonne Francis must be commended for being the overall winner of the Central American & Caribbean Championships in 2007, and Mr. Damien Daniel for the overall winner of the 2009 Mr. Eastern Caribbean Championships held in Trinidad and Tobago in May of this year.

The nature of this type of championship indicates a high level of personal commitment and passion, backed by a regimen of strong self-control and discipline. The professionalism that is displayed, both by the persons participating and the countries hosting the event, has produced very positive outcomes. These include the camaraderie, fun and regular visits to one another’s countries by the athletes. This augurs well for tourism, as we get to intermingle, laugh and share with our Caribbean and Central American neighbours and friends. Neighbours and friends who are also ambassadors of their countries; countries such as Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, El Salvador, Guyana, Jamaica, Netherlands Antilles, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela. The responsibility is on us, as Grenadian hosts, to ensure that the visiting athletes enjoy themselves and savour the best of Grenada, and delight in our usual generous hospitality.

We expect many of you who are visiting will return to enjoy our Sports-Tourism and Cultural programmes, which the current government has been hard at work developing and enhancing. We believe in the concept of “Sports for All.’’ We also are passionate about our Grenadian cultural arts that include carnival and tradition village festivals, which are uniquely local but world class in quality.

Specifically with regard to bodybuilding, as we strive to become a more fit and healthy nation, I would like to see more persons become involved in this sporting activity. I encourage local administrators and officials to organize regular mini bodybuilding events, which could culminate in larger regional championships. This will not only be good for the sport and for our athletes but also for tourism. The tourism impact will be tremendous.

In closing, I would like to extend my appreciation to the gyms, clubs, coaches, corporate sponsors and fans who have continued to support the athletes. Your support and the athletes’ performances have placed Grenada on the map as an exciting venue to host this thrilling regional tournament.

Grenada is proud to be the venue for the 37th Central American & Caribbean Bodybuilding & Fitness Championship. Do enjoy!!!