Over 35 countries expected for CAC 2004 Bodybuilding Championships
- BWIA designated ‘official’ carrier
By Clyde Pestano
Stabroek News
March 20, 2003
Over 35 countries are expected to send athletes to attend the 2004 Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Championships scheduled to be held here from October 1-3 at the National Culture Centre. At a press conference yesterday, hosted by the CAC 2004 Committee, at the Tower Hotel, it was announced that the Guyana Amateur Body Building & Fitness Federation (GABBFF) and British West Indian Airways (BWIA) came to an accord that will see a partnership between the two entities to market and promote the event.
The accord will see BWIA enjoying the status of `official airline’ of the 2004 Championships; that as `official’ airline it will be the carrier for athletes and officials attending the games; a dual website link between the two organizations and vertical banners displaying this link at the BWIA check-in area and departure lounge at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport.
In addition, the CAC 2004 committee set up to run the championships will enjoy complimentary return travel for three officials to attend the special homecoming promotions in Toronto scheduled for May 15-22 and a `flag-passing’ ceremony in the Bahamas slated for September 25-28; `gentle’ air fare for one female bodybuilder to guest-pose at the CAC 2004 homecoming promotion (in Toronto); discounted fares for a team of athletes going to the Bahamas in September and a `feature’ on the championships in the 1st quarter edition of BWEE’s in-flight magazine next year.
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Manzoor Nadir made brief remarks and said that he was pleased with the work the federation is doing to market Guyana. Keith Booker, PS. Ministry of Youth, Sports & Culture also addressed the gathering and he stated that the championships will do Guyana proud. The PS complimented the federation for its professional approach to the event. Donald Sinclair, coordinator of the championships, mentioned that over 35 countries will be taking part in the event. He felt that this was an excellent marketing opportunity to `sell’ Guyana abroad. Sinclair added that many tourists and business people will be visiting the country for the three-day event and that Guyana must seize this opportunity to promote itself as a tourist destination. BWIA’s Area Manager C. Defour and Yale Holder President of the federation also addressed the gathering. Other members of the audience included members of the tourism fraternity in Guyana and members of the media. Dionne Rutherford Organizing Secretary of the federation chaired the proceedings. Further information about the event and subsequent activities of the federation can be accessed through it’s web site http://www.gabbf.org.gy.
