Thursday, July 9, 2009

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Sumner gets an 'A' gradeh By DAHALIA SMITH ~ NG Sports Reporter ~ dahalia@nasguard.com: Bahamas Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (BBFF) President Danny Sumner reached another milestone as a judge in the sport, as he was elevated to a Grade 'A' judging post, which was certified by the International Federation for Bodybuilding (IFBB - world's governing body for the sport) Chief Judge Pawell Filleborn at a seminar held in St. Marteen this weekend past. The local bodybuilding chief is the first and only Bahamian to attain this highest level of world judge's certification. "It was a great moment for me especially receiving the award from the Chief Judge," described Sumner. "Every year I have been attending seminars to achieve this goal and it has finally come to fruition. Throughout my 30 years, it is great knowing that I assisted four athletes with turning professional namely Joel Stubbs, Charles Kemp, Natasha Brown and Gina Mackey. However, my mission is still not complete. I endeavor to help at least two more Bahamians to reach the level where I am at, Grade 'A' certification." Sumner received his Grade 'B' certification four years ago and plans to propel several other Bahamians to this level in the near future. The lowest IFBB judges certification grade is 'C'. Bahamians holding Grade 'C' certification include Paul Wong, Jeremy Knowles, Richard Demeritte, Philip Miller and Donald Saunders. Perseverance was key, noted Sumner, who actually passed the examination which qualified him for Grade 'A' certification in 2007. He received the local judge's certificate in 1990. Sumner further noted that Grand Bahamian Bodybuilding and Fitness Association (GBBFA) President Trevor Bethel, who also attended the seminar and has a local judge's certification is close to attaining an IFBB Grade 'C' judge's status. "If you have poor officiating then the sport will suffer. Bethel was locally certified by myself last year and since then, he has made tremendous progression in this vein. He has a lot of knowledge and a passion to be IFBB certified. His quest for knowledge is high. He may be getting his Grade 'C' certification as soon as next month," said Sumner. The BBFF chief underlined the importance for qualified judging in The Bahamas. "I want to encourage more Bahamians to get involved with the sport of bodybuilding, whether it be through judging or participating. Good officiating plays an integral role in keeping the sport alive in the country. With good judging comes better athletes and the athletes and fans feel more respected and appreciated," explained Sumner. Concerning the GBBFA, its championships is set for July 4 at the Regency Theater. Tickets are available at all fitness gyms in Grand Bahama. In related news, Sumner will accompany the 2009 Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Bodybuilding Team, comprised of Bahamians Jay Darling and Paul 'Mighty Mouse' Wilson to the World Games in Kaohsiung, Taiwan from July 16-26. Darling and Wilson are the 2009 CAC middleweight and lightweight champions respectively. This is Wilson's second showing at a World event. In 2006, he represented The Bahamas at the Men's World Championships in the Czech Republic where he placed 17th out of 71 competitors. Friday, June 26, 2009