The Jamaica Amateur Bodybuilding and Fitness Association (JABBFA) is gearing up for its upcoming Jamaica Invitational Bodybuilding Championships, set to take place on Saturday, November 23 at the Courtleigh Auditorium in St Andrew. This event is being hailed as a turning point in the future of local bodybuilding, with JABBFA aiming to provide a professional platform for local athletes and raise the standard of bodybuilding in Jamaica.
For years, JABBFA has faced challenges in fielding large national teams at international events due to financial constraints and a lack of sponsorship. This has limited the exposure of Jamaican athletes on a global scale. However, the Jamaica Invitational has been launched as part of a forward-thinking, solution-focused approach to address these issues and pave the way for the development of the sport in the country.
JABBFA President Audrey Allwood expressed her excitement for the Championships, stating that they are laying the foundation for an event that will not only elevate the standard of bodybuilding in Jamaica but also provide athletes with the opportunity to compete at a professional level in the near future. While the competition will debut as an amateur event in 2024, JABBFA envisions it becoming a Pro Qualifier within the next three to five years.
The Jamaica Invitational will feature over $500,000 in prize money across five categories, making it the largest prize purse in Jamaica’s bodybuilding history. The categories include bodybuilding, classic bodybuilding, men’s physique, women’s bikini fitness, and women’s bikini wellness. Interest in the competition has already extended beyond Jamaica, with competitors from other Caribbean nations, the USA, and Europe expressing their desire to participate.
JABBFA encourages aspiring bodybuilders at all levels to register for the Jamaica Invitational and be part of an event that will shape the future of bodybuilding in Jamaica. With the support of the Jamaica Olympic Association and Supreme Ventures, JABBFA is paving the way for amateur athletes to transition into professionals. This event marks the beginning of a historic movement for bodybuilding in the region, and JABBFA is excited to see the sport continue to grow and develop.
