Unbiased look at the Sint Maarten Elections
BELAIR--Bodybuilder Desmond Patterson was one of the category winners at St. Maarten Body Building and Fitness Association's (SMBBFA) annual national championship on Saturday night during a show that mixed the sculpted physiques of male bodybuilders with the tantalisingly-toned beauty of the female figure.
Patterson's massive, jaw-dropping physique created an instant uproar in the packed Belair Community Center when he walked on stage for the Super Heavyweight category. Easily in the best competitive shape of his life, it would seem a certainty that he wins a Pro Card at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) in October, an accolade that eluded him in 2013.
With just three entrants in the Super Heavyweight category, Elias Jones finished in second place and Boland Bert third.
Emmanuel Richardson emerged a popular winner in the Heavyweight category, with Peter Gayle in second place and Delvacio Carty third.
Male Physique was won by Stephan Ellis, with second place going to Irion Ardwell, and third place to Akim Arrendell.
The evening kicked off with the Women's Body Fitness and Bikini Fitness categories, the difference being that Bikini Fitness requires less muscle definition than Body Fitness but still with a physique that is toned and tight.
Christelle Zarovska emerged the winner of Body Fitness with Nicky Kaaij second, Anais Pieters-Kwiers third, and Cleo Carti fourth.
The much appreciated Bikini Fitness category must have been a tough one for judges to decide on with all five ladies showing off beautiful, perfectly toned figures, a commendable effort since all the contestants were beginners. In the end Yoly Hawley got the nod from the judges, Luanda Gutierrez was second, Amineh Isis third, Mayanka Johnson fourth, and Stacy-Ann Violenus fifth.
Diane Richards later gave a demonstration of a fitness routine (not judged).
The judging panel comprised Celestine and Joseph Pradel from Anguilla, Raphael Antoine, Francis Peterson, and President of the French-side bodybuilding and fitness association (BFASM) Francois Carty. Head Judge was Jose Luis Evertsz.
Francois Carty, whose association is hosting the prestigious CAC Championships, gave a brief overview of the event that will take place in the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort and Casino conference room October 3-4.
SMBBFA board members Geronimo Juliet and Alison Williams emceed the show providing entertaining commentary. At least 12 out of the 20 competing athletes were beginners and they were praised for their courage.
Several former veteran bodybuilders were in the audience as was newly elected MP Silveria Jacobs.
President of the SMBBFA Martina Rodney thanked the many sponsors and the public for its enthusiastic support for the show. She urged more businesses to come forward to sponsor the athletes' expenses, and encouraged potential body builders and fitness athletes to join the association.
