NBPFA.com

Atlantic Classic 2007

Wow! What a great Atlantic Championship we had on the weekend of May 19th in Moncton! All Atlantic Athletes, sponsors, and fans owe the husband wife Team of Ti-Jean and Heather LeBlanc a huge debt of gratitude for promoting such an outstanding show.

When Len Collette stepped down as President of the N.B. Bodybuilding Association I was very concerned if we could continue the fine legacy that Len had started with this popular competition that began back in 1978. In fact, in those days the Atlantic’s used to alternate between the provinces until it was dropped as a National Qualifier back in the 80’s. At that time Len promoted the very popular Moncton Invitational. Not wanting to see the Atlantic Championships die, Len wisely decided to replace the Moncton Invitational with the Atlantic Classic, which has grown in size and popularity since its inception.

Garry congratulates Mike Lynds
on his overall win.

Now thanks to the dedication, passion, and hard work of Ti-Jean and Heather the Atlantic’s are safe and can continue in the tradition we have become accustomed to. I was overjoyed to see such a great turnout and wish to thank all you fans, sponsors, and more importantly the athletes. You guys really rock! Without you, there would be no competition. The Atlantic’s were created to promote friendly competition between athletes from all four Atlantic provinces. The purpose was for everyone to have fun and enjoy themselves. Judging from what I witnessed at this year’s event I feel that the goal had been accomplished.

Through the generosity of our sponsors, athletes were rewarded with more than just a trophy as many gifts were handed out to the athletes. A special thank you goes to Global Gym Owner Darren Grey who presented Mike Lynds with a trip for two to this year’s Mr. Olympia in Las Vegas. Mike’s name was drawn from out of a hat, which contained all the class winners. This was the grand prize and was sponsored by Global Gym. Also, I have to single out SFL owner big Steve Sweeny for his generous gift of one thousand dollars in bursary money awarded to the Men’s Overall winner, Women’s Open and Men’s Master’s champion. I am sure the athletes really appreciated this!

Ti-Jean and Heather confessed that organizing the show was a new challenge and a lot of hard work, but in the end, they really enjoyed it and look forward to promoting the special 30th anniversary edition of the Atlantic’s next spring in Moncton. Ironically, Jean won the first Atlantic’s back in 1978.

With the Atlantic’s now behind us, it is time to move on to the New Brunswick Bodybuilding & Figure Championships scheduled for November 10th at the Playhouse in Fredericton. We had a great show last year, and I invite you all to get involved in some capacity this fall. I expect that come contest time, interest will be high and I am excited at the prospect of introducing several new categories with the hope of creating more interest for those who wish to compete.

The new Classic Physique category has created a lot of talk among those athletes who want to compete at a lighter bodyweight in relation to their height. This category will be judged on symmetry, shape, and muscularity, with size being the least considered factor.

There will also be a women’s figure Master’s division. We tried this new category out at the Atlantic’s as a test and were very happy with the support we received. I am also very pleased that we will be introducing a Men’s Grandmasters class for all those over the age of 50. Unfortunately, due to the dwindling interest in women’s bodybuilding, there will only be one open division for the 2007 provincials. I wish to personally thank everyone who has supported the NB Physique & Figure Association this past year and hope that with you’re continued Interest, we can continue to offer top caliber Contests for your enjoyment.

Promoters Ti-Jean & Heather LeBlanc
with Nova Scotia's Mike Lynds
2007 Overall Atlantic Classic Winner

Keep checking the website for updates and information And enjoy your summer!

I hope to see you all this fall at the provincials!

Garry Bartlett
President New Brunswick Physique & Figure Association