Shocking News! NABBA Worlds, 20 June, Cancelled!

[AllenNZ]

Got this of Gofigure

The NABBA Worlds which was to be held in Alicante Spain has been cancelled! This news comes, today (11 June), just 3 days before most of the team are due to leave. Contest was to beld on 20 June.

Our news came from Kat Hall who was understandably upset considering she'd been aiming for this since the Akl Champs in May. Tarren McCall, Tom Wojcik and Greg Mawson were also due to depart.

An exerpt of the team memo from NABBA NZ reads " It is with huge disappointment that we have to inform you that the 2009 World Championships has been postponed....After making contact with member countries, the primary reason seems, that most countries are feeling the financial crisis and do not have the funding viability to take large teams to competition".

This is the second time an International NABBA contest has been cancelled at short notice. Last one was the NABBA in Mumbai in 08.

Condolences to all the team.

from Go Figure

11 June 09

[Outlaw53]

No surprises here.

You guys (Kiwi's) need to get rid of "fake" NABBA and align yourselves with "real" NABBA.

No disrespect to all the New Zealanders who have competed and won NABBA International titles, but they are not the same titles that Steve Reeves and Arnold Schwarzenegger won many years ago, it is a completely different organisation.

NABBA officials in New Zealand really need to bite the bullet and dump "fake" NABBA for the "real" NABBA.

This is two years in a row that New Zealand athletes have been ripped-off with late cancellations of the World titles.

Seriously, I have never heard a more dodgy pathetic excuse in my life.

If I didn't know better I would think that this federation was being run by my good friend Danny Chau who runs WNBF over here in Australia, and you all know my thoughts on that!!

Do the right thing by the athletes and join "real" NABBA.

Their World Championships are going ahead despite the "financial crisis".

Wake up people - you are getting cheated by "fake" NABBA.

[NABBA]

Yes, it is terrible news and disappointing for athletes and NABBA officials. My condolences go out to NABBA HO and the team.

I'm not going to go into the fake NABBA real NABBA convo, because with all due respect Outlaw - I'm about promoting the sport. I don't care where, when and with whom people compete, just that they get into bodybuilding, compete and enjoy themselves. It's a sport like any other, that we choose to do. Being a show organiser and a NABBA exec, I appreciate first hand how hard it is to find funds to run a local show, let alone finding funding to put on an international show where countries fund and support large teams of athletes attending the competition. We are in a global recession afterall.

The challenge to compete overseas at an international level is a wonderful opportunity for our top NZ athletes. I hope the team members affected have the opportunity to participate in other top events (nationally and internationally) dispite this set back.

Regards

Inyan

NABBA Wellington Putting Athletes First

[Outlaw53]

No problems mate, I really appreciate your feedback and response.

I don't want to to turn this into a "fake" vs "real" NABBA debate either but seriously, this is 2yrs in a row that this has happened.

The excuse is totally laughable, its embarrassing.

Every other federation is going ahead with their world championships despite the global recession, why can't this federation get its act together?

Last year was no different, another embarrassing excuse.

This is extremely unfair to all the athletes who have sacrificed 12mths of training, dieting and everything else required to get ready for a world title, only to be told at the last minute that it is cancelled.

Once is bad enough, but twice in a row is totally unacceptable.

You should seriously consider changing over for the sake of the athletes.

I'm all about promoting the sport too.

I have my own magazine and comp, but when I see something like this happen I get very upset.

If you truly love the sport and want to promote it and help the competitors then I'm not sure how supporting a federation that continually cancels their world titles at the last minute every year is helping anyone.

You should contact Joe and ask for a better explanation than what he has given, it is simply not good enough.

You have stated that "I hope the team members affected have the opportunity to participate in other top events".

No disrespect, but do you know when this will be?

Its been two years now and so far there has been no opportunities.

Again, no disrespect to you Inyan, I'm sure you are doing your best, but your job as a promoter has been made extremely difficult with Joe's actions.

I can't understand why you would go into bat for him and support him.

He is showing you and the NZ bodybuilding community not respect or support whatsoever.

You should cut him loose and look elsewhere for the sake of the athletes.

[NABBA]

Thanks Outlaw.

Re going into bat for Joe - no, I don't know Joe, never met him and all I know about him is what I read or hear.

I go into bat for NABBA Wellington and NABBA NZ as the local organisers around the country here are great. That's where my affiliation lies. I've heard both sides re NABBA international, and though I have my opinions, I choose to support NABBA in NZ and INBA NZ. The type of shows these groups here run are fun, light-hearted, and funny to believe I know - but I feel the politics is a little less!! :pfft:

As a competitor I have enjoyed the NABBA and INBA shows I have done above others, and though my body type is probably better suited for other organisations, as I enjoyed NABBA Wellington shows so much, I stepped forward with a mate to run them locally.

Re international events, I was speaking wider than just NABBA International and am more than happy to see athletes from NABBA compete in any show, any federation, any international event they choose. It can be a bit harder without the support and funding assistance that comes with being part of a team. We do have the NZ Elite show coming here in a few months, another opportunity for NZ's (and overseas) top athletes.

Thanks for your comments, always apprecaite hearing other thoughts and like you are keen to promote the sport.

[Outlaw53]

Thanks again Inyan, my posts are certainly not meant as a slight on you or the NABBA NZ athletes.

I'm just really disappointed for them that they have been stood up two years in a row now.

Where is the incentive for the local competitors next year?

Surely none of them would be foolish enough to prepare for another world championships after the last two debacles?

In your own heart, do you truly believe that the excuse that has been given at short notice is good enough or even true?

Personally I think its a lie and complete bullshit.

I would strongly encourage you to use some of your influence and cut your ties with the current NABBA and move forward to a bigger and better organisation.

Look after the local competitors mate, you don't owe Joe a thing, he is obviously not concerned about the NZ competitors.

Best of luck to you.

[agent86]

If this is true then it is total bullshit about finances being the reason. Fake Nabba have no support Internationally and the only reason they want to exist is for the executive to get their free overseas trips. Meanwhile the dumb competitors don't know what is happening. They have been warned off this for years but refuse to listen.

Spain was the only country left supporting New Zealand so what happens now?

[NABBA]

Indeed, NABBA HQ and the rest of the exec are bitterly disappointed for the athletes. No doubt over the year we will have conversations on how we grow NABBA NZ and what we look to do internationally. And following our local and national shows this year the exec will meet to discuss the pros and cons of the year and goals for 2010.

Inyan

[Outlaw53]

You should strongly consider jumping ship to the real NABBA.

Fake NABBA is making everyone who supports them look like fools.

It's impossible for you or any other NABBA official to defend their actions over the last two years.

You should tell them that enough is enough.

They can't expect you and others to keep covering their arses all the time.

Your hard work and effort is being tarnished the longer you stay with Joe.

Make the break asap and give your competitors something positive to train for.

Again, no disrespect to you and the other NABBA NZ officials and competitors.

The sooner you change organisations the quicker and stronger NABBA NZ will grow.

All the best mate.

[deeepsouth_nz]

Sorry Outlaw...can you please bring myself and anyone else interested up to speed on 'fake' vs 'real' NABBA. Thanks and please excuse my ignorance :-s

[Grego]

Sorry Outlaw...can you please bring myself and anyone else interested up to speed on 'fake' vs 'real' NABBA. Thanks and please excuse my ignorance :-s

Yeah, that would be good. Seriously so I can do my own research.

I always hear that the NZ NABBA is part of the "Fake" NABBA, but any evidence I have seen is actually part of the contrary. Kind of like "let's all believe NZ Telecom's new network is bigger and better because they tell us so" just because they are a bigger company, yet their claims are just good marketing, and I can't understand why Vodafone don't say "yep, been there done that...".

This issue however is a perfect opportunity to jump on NABBA New Zealand but it wasn't their fault. This was beyond anyone’s control here in New Zealand. Anyone who knows Jim and Marianne personally know that they are passionate people, and are there 110% for the sport and to me, that matters. I can't comment on anyone else as I have not met them, but as NZFBB has such a big following (can't imagine why anyone would want to go to Masterton for anything else) then I am sure they are great people too. That's the thing. Why can't we all just get along?

The economic crisis overseas is much deeper than here in New Zealand and although we tend to shrug it off sometimes as both media hype and “it won’t affect me” it is real in other parts of the world. We heard this happened in a similar capacity for the NABBA Universe Championships last year – the Major sponsor pulled out at the last moment so the event was cancelled. Body building in New Zealand is a minority sport, but overseas in Europe I understand it has a very large following as there are many more people there this is understandable. If these reasons are lies, then perhaps someone should go to Europe and find out. I do a little cardio :pfft: and I read TIME on the odd bike session. Again, could be "Media hype" but it is a huge thing in TIME and they reckon it is in Europe too.

I felt compelled to write this as I was going to the "Worlds".... which turns out probably wasn't the "Worlds".... hmmmm....

I try to stay out of the politics, but when it affects me personally it can't be avoided. As for Agent86's comments, nice constructive stuff mate. When I get personally attacked by someone (the dumb competitors don't know what is happening) who is likely to have competed once and now just lives a life through this forum F@#*s me off. Just looking at the posts that agent86 has made, most of them are simply slagging off NABBA (the "Fake" one) and offer nothing constructive at all. Perhaps he needs to get off the chair, away from the computer, into the gym and get that body going again. But then that would be speculating and make me no better than him.

As for Outlaw's comments, better approach mate. I want to hear the other side of the story. I have not met Joe either.

Also, you mention that your recent show was a success. Just interested in the ratio of "International" competitiors were there? Not Kiwi's or Aussie's, but anyone else from around the world? Would be good to get a picture, as if there wasn't that many from other countries, there could be some foundation to the claims of recession.

Anyway, outstayed my welcome. Look forward to something from you Outlaw.

Cheers

Greg Mawson

Mr Counties / Manukau Athletic 09

(had to put that there, as no one else would understand from the outside world! ) :pfft:

NABBA Hawke's Bay Rep

[Matrix]

Sorry to hear about the cancellation Greg. i know how much work you guys must have put in both in the gym and financially.

I spoke to Tom Wojcik about a week ago(he was looking shredded) and he said his class (International athletic) usually attracts around 30+ competitors and is labelled the Class Of Death, so thats pretty good competition in one class whatever the Fedaration.

Best wishes to the comp[etitors who were affected by this cancellation.

Matrix

Mr Counties Manukau Athletic 2008

Sorry Grego, I had to throw that in as it was nice to have that title for a year!

[Outlaw53]

Sorry Outlaw...can you please bring myself and anyone else interested up to speed on 'fake' vs 'real' NABBA. Thanks and please excuse my ignorance :-s

Yeah, no worries.

Again, no disrespect meant to the NABBA NZ officials and athletes.

For want of a better word, everyone describes the two NABBA's as "fake" and "real".

"Real" NABBA has been going since the early 50's (I think) and is the NABBA where people such as Bill Pearl, Arnie and Steve Reeves all won their titles in the early days.

In the mid 80's NABBA International was formed by Joe Lopez with NABBA's approval (I'm not sure why) and is more of a European thing with around 50 countries as members.

At some time around 2000 (again, don't quote me on the exact dates) a breakaway NABBA was formed by Joe, only he claimed it to be the original NABBA, which it is clearly not.

There are only a handful of countries that participate in this "spin-off" NABBA such as Spain and a few others including you guys of course.

Trust me, it's not the "original" NABBA.

Now I know you are all going to ask me how can two organisations share the same name (NABBA).

Fucked if I know is the only answer I have.

Your guess is as good as mine.

It has been explained to me a number of times and I still don't understand it.

But I do understand this:

If say for instance someone decided that Graeme Lancefield or Mark Ryan over here in Australia were doing a shithouse job and wanted to kick them out, they wouldn't be able to do it.

To the best of my knowledge both Graeme and Mark own the name NABBA here in Aust.

In other words they are trading as....NABBA QLD or NABBA Aust etc.

They do this for banking of membership monies etc.

NABBA is kind of like a business rather than a federation.

There are no elections here, just NABBA promoters.

(Every other federation in Australia works the same way, no one gets elected, they are all promoters).

I dunno what the situation is over in NZ?

To better understand things, check both the NABBA sites and make up your own mind.

As far as websites go they are both pretty shitful and lacking information, but the "fake" NABBA site is a complete joke.

It's like a kindergarten kid did it.

This only adds more to their lack of credibility.

It hasn't had a new entry since April 2008!

It is now June 2009. Apparently nothings happened for the last 15mths.

I seriously believe you guys are far better off giving "fake" NABBA the arse.

I would love to see more NZ vs Aust at NABBA comps, but the way it stands now it can't be done, we are both in different NABBA's.

Again, please don't take everything I've said as gospel, I am running off memory here, I'm sure there are plenty of others who have a better grasp of the situation than I do.

For the time being, make up your own minds.

Real NABBA - http://www.nabba-international.com

Fake NABBA - http://www.nabba-international.org

[michaelk]

Would it be like Rugby League vs Rugby Union, and both just being called Rugby by their individual supporters?

To an outsider both look the same.

[Outlaw53]

Sorry Outlaw...can you please bring myself and anyone else interested up to speed on 'fake' vs 'real' NABBA. Thanks and please excuse my ignorance :-s

Yeah, that would be good. Seriously so I can do my own research.

I always hear that the NZ NABBA is part of the "Fake" NABBA, but any evidence I have seen is actually part of the contrary. Kind of like "let's all believe NZ Telecom's new network is bigger and better because they tell us so" just because they are a bigger company, yet their claims are just good marketing, and I can't understand why Vodafone don't say "yep, been there done that...".

This issue however is a perfect opportunity to jump on NABBA New Zealand but it wasn't their fault. This was beyond anyone’s control here in New Zealand. Anyone who knows Jim and Marianne personally know that they are passionate people, and are there 110% for the sport and to me, that matters. I can't comment on anyone else as I have not met them, but as NZFBB has such a big following (can't imagine why anyone would want to go to Masterton for anything else) then I am sure they are great people too. That's the thing. Why can't we all just get along?

The economic crisis overseas is much deeper than here in New Zealand and although we tend to shrug it off sometimes as both media hype and “it won’t affect me” it is real in other parts of the world. We heard this happened in a similar capacity for the NABBA Universe Championships last year – the Major sponsor pulled out at the last moment so the event was cancelled. Body building in New Zealand is a minority sport, but overseas in Europe I understand it has a very large following as there are many more people there this is understandable. If these reasons are lies, then perhaps someone should go to Europe and find out. I do a little cardio :pfft: and I read TIME on the odd bike session. Again, could be "Media hype" but it is a huge thing in TIME and they reckon it is in Europe too.

I felt compelled to write this as I was going to the "Worlds".... which turns out probably wasn't the "Worlds".... hmmmm....

I try to stay out of the politics, but when it affects me personally it can't be avoided. As for Agent86's comments, nice constructive stuff mate. When I get personally attacked by someone (the dumb competitors don't know what is happening) who is likely to have competed once and now just lives a life through this forum F@#*s me off. Just looking at the posts that agent86 has made, most of them are simply slagging off NABBA (the "Fake" one) and offer nothing constructive at all. Perhaps he needs to get off the chair, away from the computer, into the gym and get that body going again. But then that would be speculating and make me no better than him.

As for Outlaw's comments, better approach mate. I want to hear the other side of the story. I have not met Joe either.

Also, you mention that your recent show was a success. Just interested in the ratio of "International" competitiors were there? Not Kiwi's or Aussie's, but anyone else from around the world? Would be good to get a picture, as if there wasn't that many from other countries, there could be some foundation to the claims of recession.

Anyway, outstayed my welcome. Look forward to something from you Outlaw.

Cheers

Greg Mawson

Mr Counties / Manukau Athletic 09

(had to put that there, as no one else would understand from the outside world! ) :pfft:

NABBA Hawke's Bay Rep

Hey Grego.

Am I to understand that you were training for this comp that just got cancelled?

If this is so then you have my commiserations mate.

Some information about Joe.

Joe was an excellent promoter here in Australia in the mid 80's.

He ran good shows and took over very strong teams to the NABBA Universe and Worlds.

He paid for everything for the competitors - flights, accom etc.

He is still quite popular in Australia because of this.

He sunk his own money into these trips for competitors, something that the current Aussie president doesn't do, (and fair enough too).

None of us ever questioned where Joe got his money from, but we found out in the late 90's.

Joe's "leave of absence" as he likes to call it was actually him doing time in jail.

When he came back, NABBA didn't want him as he'd brought embarrassment to the federation.

Joe's story was that Graeme underminded him and stole his position which he was only in as a care-taker while Joe was on his "leave of absence".

You can all make up your own minds, but thats the two different stories from both sides, (in a nutshell at least).

Personally I don't believe that "economic crisis" excuse that "fake" NABBA are using.

It's an insult to every competitor's intelligence if you ask me.

Seriously, what a load of crap!

Last year's excuse was no better.

It fell apart because the major promoter wanted to have the show elsewhere, but the venue was already booked and Joe couldn't find a new venue that suited the major sponsor so the major sponsor pulled out.

Joe couldn't find anyone to cover the major sponsor so the show was cancelled.

He then told people that they knew that there was going to be unrest and deaths in Mumbai due to the political climate at the time over there so they cancelled to save the athletes lives, (or something like that).

This is really clutching at straws.

The show was cancelled 2-3 weeks before those 20 people died, so he must have been Nostradamus to foresee that happening!

As for my show Grego, it is just a stand-alone show here in Australia.

I hate politics in sport so I cracked the shits and started my own comp.

I hated the way bodybuilding comps were run and the lack of respect that the competitors received.

So after whinging about it for decades, I decided to get off my arse and do something about it.

Obviously I attract Aussie competitors, but the only International competitors that I have attracted so far are Kiwis, for which I am very grateful for, I love having you guys over.

I have had interest from a competitor in Malaysia this year, but he is uncertain if he can do it due to a clash with an IFBB world championships.

Regardless, if you want to do a show after missing out on the "fake" NABBA comp, by all means come over and have a go.

I would love to see you over here.

The last 3 winners have been:

2006 Con Demetriou (NSW)

2007 Charlie Duca (NSW)

2008 Alex Simays (NZ)

The Country Classic Invitational (CCI) is recognised as the most entertaining show in Australia.

I won't bore you with all the details, this thread is about you guys getting shafted by "fake" NABBA, not about me promoting my show.

There is a team of Kiwi's coming over, so you would be a welcome addition I'm sure.

Cut off date for Entries is July 3rd, so you will need to decide quickly.

I hope I have cleared up a few things about NABBA for you.

Its just a great big fucking mess basically!

Best of luck with your next comp mate.

[Grego]

Hey thanks for that Outlaw, and thanks for the invite.

Yep, I was one of the athletes going to Spain. It was a bummer to find out, especially seeing as it was second hand via a text message!

I made up my mind early that it would never really sink in until I was on that plane so thankfully after a bit of a feed to drown the sorrows, I am back on track.

I guess if the travel insurance does it's thing, I should have a bit of a "surplus" of cash to be able to shoot over to Australia, and I made the promise to my supports / sponsors that any fundraising money would be used to get me overseas, but in more of a representing New Zealand in a team type situation, but I guess if there is never going to be one in the "Fake" side I will need to look at alternatives.

I realise however I am not up to Tom Wojkic's level (yet), but I still want the international experience and certainly representing New Zealand is definately a big deal for me, as it would for anyone representing their country. I never thought I would ever be in this situation!

Bummer though as being a NABBA rep for Hawke's Bay, I have the Hawke's Bay Champs on August 1st so won't be able to make your comp, but if you are able to post your website for competitions, I might be able to fit one in later in the year.

I had heard an explanation about Joe's "leave of absence" but not in this way and the reason why wasn't entered into so that was very informative, thanks Outlaw has definately enlightened me. :nod:

Cheers Outlaw

Grego

[AllenNZ]

Hey Grego if you are looking at going oversea's than this NABBA one in the Gold Coast will be a very good one I went to the one in May at the Gold Coast and I was very impressed and I know you will like it as I think there are some Kiwi girls going to.

NABBA AUS

Sunday 13th September

Max’s Queensland Championships

Southport, Gold Coast

Mark Ryan 07 5537 6680

[musclenz]

Very disappointing for all those involved once again. Outlaw I believe you have pretty much summed it up from what I have been told about Joe & the breakaway NABBA. I expect this will just be another nail in NABB NZ's coffin. Competitors would be wise to join the exodus to Aust where a number are competing in the show outlined by AllenNZ & subsequent Nationals in Sydney or join in with NZFBB comps in NZ who are looking at attracting record numbers due to its "indecisive" testing policies.

[Grego]

Hey Grego if you are looking at going oversea's than this NABBA one in the Gold Coast will be a very good one I went to the one in May at the Gold Coast and I was very impressed and I know you will like it as I think there are some Kiwi girls going to.

NABBA AUS

Sunday 13th September

Max’s Queensland Championships

Southport, Gold Coast

Mark Ryan 07 5537 6680

Thanks Mark

Don't need an excuse to come to Gold Coast at the best of times, I love it there!

Might see you....

Grego

[Grego]

Very disappointing for all those involved once again. Outlaw I believe you have pretty much summed it up from what I have been told about Joe & the breakaway NABBA. I expect this will just be another nail in NABB NZ's coffin. Competitors would be wise to join the exodus to Aust where a number are competing in the show outlined by AllenNZ & subsequent Nationals in Sydney or join in with NZFBB comps in NZ who are looking at attracting record numbers due to its "indecisive" testing policies.

I don't quite agree with this. I know that NABBA NZ is with this Joe character which may or may not be right, which is out of a regular competitiors control, including me as a rep.

However, the level of competitions and the quality of shows we have in NABBA NZ are great. We have an awesome feel out back for the Athletes and the organisation always seems pretty good. I haven't done an NZFBB comp yet, so don't have any comparo's to go on, but I am sure they are good to and as I said in my previous post, NZFBB Seem to have a big enought following to get people to Masterton to compete so they must be good. (Masterton is cold this time of year!). On a national level there are no worries there which was my point at the start despite being perhaps "Fake", it's all we have so thus should support it nationally. Competitors do both feds because they can and the freedom to choose is great.

But....

Q: Do NZFBB still penalise an athlete who wants to compete in another fed by stripping them of any qualifying for nationals and charging them for another membership?

That is what needs to be axed, it's no good for the sport at all. That is the only thing preventing me from competing in NZFBB at this stage. Also I guess the comps seem to coincide with NABBA ones. People would think there isn't enought weekends in a year to perhaps give Athletes more choice? We need more comunication between the feds I think for the good of the sport.

Grego

[trainharder]

Sorry Outlaw...can you please bring myself and anyone else interested up to speed on 'fake' vs 'real' NABBA. Thanks and please excuse my ignorance :-s

Yeah, that would be good. Seriously so I can do my own research.

I always hear that the NZ NABBA is part of the "Fake" NABBA, but any evidence I have seen is actually part of the contrary. Kind of like "let's all believe NZ Telecom's new network is bigger and better because they tell us so" just because they are a bigger company, yet their claims are just good marketing, and I can't understand why Vodafone don't say "yep, been there done that...".

This issue however is a perfect opportunity to jump on NABBA New Zealand but it wasn't their fault. This was beyond anyone’s control here in New Zealand. Anyone who knows Jim and Marianne personally know that they are passionate people, and are there 110% for the sport and to me, that matters. I can't comment on anyone else as I have not met them, but as NZFBB has such a big following (can't imagine why anyone would want to go to Masterton for anything else) then I am sure they are great people too. That's the thing. Why can't we all just get along?

The economic crisis overseas is much deeper than here in New Zealand and although we tend to shrug it off sometimes as both media hype and “it won’t affect me” it is real in other parts of the world. We heard this happened in a similar capacity for the NABBA Universe Championships last year – the Major sponsor pulled out at the last moment so the event was cancelled. Body building in New Zealand is a minority sport, but overseas in Europe I understand it has a very large following as there are many more people there this is understandable. If these reasons are lies, then perhaps someone should go to Europe and find out. I do a little cardio :pfft: and I read TIME on the odd bike session. Again, could be "Media hype" but it is a huge thing in TIME and they reckon it is in Europe too.

I felt compelled to write this as I was going to the "Worlds".... which turns out probably wasn't the "Worlds".... hmmmm....

I try to stay out of the politics, but when it affects me personally it can't be avoided. As for Agent86's comments, nice constructive stuff mate. When I get personally attacked by someone (the dumb competitors don't know what is happening) who is likely to have competed once and now just lives a life through this forum F@#*s me off. Just looking at the posts that agent86 has made, most of them are simply slagging off NABBA (the "Fake" one) and offer nothing constructive at all. Perhaps he needs to get off the chair, away from the computer, into the gym and get that body going again. But then that would be speculating and make me no better than him.

As for Outlaw's comments, better approach mate. I want to hear the other side of the story. I have not met Joe either.

Also, you mention that your recent show was a success. Just interested in the ratio of "International" competitiors were there? Not Kiwi's or Aussie's, but anyone else from around the world? Would be good to get a picture, as if there wasn't that many from other countries, there could be some foundation to the claims of recession.

Anyway, outstayed my welcome. Look forward to something from you Outlaw.

Cheers

Greg Mawson

Mr Counties / Manukau Athletic 09

(had to put that there, as no one else would understand from the outside world! ) :pfft:

NABBA Hawke's Bay Rep

his is something that has been discussed time and time again how nabba nz has aligned itself with very few countries ie spain and the phillipines

im sure you and me even spoke about this in a previous column when you were saying you didnt understand what people meant when they refered to it as a fake nabba

this is why many competitors choose to go to aussie to compete.

one day you will finaly realise what everyone is saying

and for your information agent 86 is actually aligned with nabba nz too

i think hes had enough of the crap that goes on after being invited to the universe champs in india last year then having it cancelled

if you choose to think hes a person thats done 1 comp and then wants to slag of nabba thats your choice

he has won many nz titles and represented nz at the universe champs in the past of which he won so he has a right to his opinion

i think his choice of words was wrong saying competitors are dumb that compete for nabba as he is still competing himself

but as for his opinion and history in the sport your just a newborn.

[trainharder]

and grego im truly sorry for you and any other competitors who has planned for this comp dieted your heart out for it and planned travel and acomodation and arranged leave etc to have it cancelled.

it must be heartbreaking

[Outlaw53]

Hopefully some good will come out of this.

If NABBA NZ were to ditch "fake" NABBA and join forces with "real" NABBA then this would definitely be great for the local NZ bodybuilders.

If you are going to continue to stay with "fake" NABBA then expect to cop negative posts and comments from all of us.

No competitor deserves to be treated the way "fake" NABBA has treated its competitors for the last two years.

Competing under "fake" NABBA is simply condoning their actions.

I would strongly urge all NABBA NZ officials to dump "fake" NABBA asap and show your local competitors that you won't tolerate having NZ bodybuilders being treated like shit.

[Ann]

I agree with you Outlaw 100% but no-one who is involved with Nabba NZ has actually got the nuts!!! If they did - Nabba NZ would've been aligned with NABBA UK a long time ago. A lot of competitors who use to compete with NABBA NZ have gotten well and truly over it - hence most of them have all buggered off and gone to Australia to compete. Alex Simays and his lady, Mark Anderson will be competing in your show soon as well as Annette Gallagher as I understand it ( and kicking the aussie arses as well :pfft: hee hee) and they've all competed within Nabba NZ. I may be wrong - they might be going over to get better competition - but shit - when are the NZ competitors going to wake up and smell the bloody coffee for goodness sake!!

Greg - if Marianne Poole and Jim Pitt are so bloody fantastic - then ask them to go ahead and realign us with NABBA UK. I'll be interested in knowing what their answers will be. Dont' be surprised if they don't return your emails - they haven't answered mine.

[Outlaw53]

I realise this may look like I'm trying to make good from a bad situation, but if any of the Kiwi's who lost the opportunity to compete in Spain are interested, I would be happy to have you compete at Bendigo in the CCI.

It is on Aug 1st, around 5 weeks after the cancelled "fake" NABBA comp.

It might not be a World championship, but there will probably be just as many countries competing in it - two!

Instead of NZ vs Spain it will be NZ vs Aust.

It's a lot cheaper to get to Aust and I can certainly promise you that it will be run better than any other show you have ever been too.

Don't take my word for it, ask any current or former Pro who has competed or Guest Posed in it.

Luke Wood, Charlie Duca, Con Demetriou, Neil Gardner, Adrian Batho, Arina Manta are all former or current Pros who have told me that the CCI was better run than any Pro show they had ever done anywhere in the world.

You are all welcome to have a go, this is a non-political comp where anyone from any federation or country can compete.

It's considered to be the best comp in Australia but I believe I can still make it better.

This year I have Australia's best AC-DC tribute band opening the show, and some very special Guest Posers too.

This year's CCI is also an official fund-raising event for Breast Cancer Australia.

PM me if you are interested.