The Jamaica Invitational is seen as a catalyst for the growth of local bodybuilding

The Jamaica Amateur Bodybuilding and Fitness Association (JABBFA) says the upcoming Jamaica Invitational Bodybuilding Championships will mark a turning point in the future of local bodybuilding.

The competition will take place at the Courtleigh Auditorium in St Andrew on Saturday 23 November.

JABBFA says that for many years it has found it difficult to field large national teams at international events due to financial and sponsorship restrictions. It said the lack of a professional platform for local athletes was hampering its ability to gain global exposure. However, it said the championship was launched after working closely with the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) and adopting what it describes as a forward-thinking, solutions-oriented approach as an important part of its national development strategy.

“We are laying the groundwork for an event that will not only elevate the level of bodybuilding in Jamaica, but will also provide athletes with the opportunity to compete at a professional level in the near future,” said JABBFA President Audrey Allwood.

While 2024 will mark the debut of the Jamaica Invitational as an amateur event, JABBFA expects it to become a professional qualifying tournament within the next three to five years. While there will be no pro cards up for grabs this year, the event will have a prize fund of over US$500,000 across five categories, making it the largest prize fund in Jamaican bodybuilding history.

“Our athletes have talent, but we needed to create a platform that showcases them on the world stage,” Allwood said. “With the support of JOA and Supreme Ventures, we are laying the foundation for our amateur athletes to become professionals. This is just the beginning of what we believe will be a historic bodybuilding movement in the region.”

The five categories at the championship are Bodybuilding, Classic Bodybuilding, Men’s Physique, Women’s Fitness Bikini and Women’s Wellness Bikini.

JABBFA reports that interest in the Jamaica Invitational has already extended beyond local borders, with competitors from other Caribbean countries, the United States and Europe expressing their desire to take part. Several top Jamaican athletes have already confirmed their participation through exclusive invitations, but the competition remains open for others to register.

JABBFA says this is a rare opportunity for aspiring bodybuilders to stand alongside the best, help grow the sport and be part of an event that will shape the future of bodybuilding in Jamaica. JABBFA says it invites athletes of all levels to take advantage of this opportunity, register now and help lay the foundation for the continued growth and development of bodybuilding.

ALLWOOD…this is just the beginning of what we believe will be a historic bodybuilding movement in the region.