Shocking News! NABBA Worlds, 20 June, Cancelled!

[Outlaw53]

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.

LOL..................I'm dreading this year's NZ competitors coming over - there will be no prizes left for us Aussie's!! :grin:

It's all in good spirit Ann, the Aussie's love mixing it with the Kiwi's and vica-versa.

Alex and Leanne have been very good to me & I'm looking forward to seeing them again this year.

Leanne will be one of my judges while Alex will be one of my backstage bitches, along with people like Warren Clampit & Tim Martin, (both INBA Pros).

Poor old Alex - CCI champ last year - backstage bitch this year! :grin:

This is one of the great things about the CCI, everybody respects and helps everyone, its a very friendly show.

Of course Alex will also hand over the Championship Belt to this year's winner.

I can see how frustrated you are with the course that NABBA NZ has chosen to follow.

It is doomed to failure, NABBA NZ will never grow if it continues to align itself with "fake" NABBA.

As harsh as it sounds, at the end of the day competitors really have to take some of the blame too, especially the long time experienced competitors.

Show NABBA NZ that you are disappointed with their stubborn stance and start competing elsewhere if thats what it takes.

Competing with a federation that has aligned itself with a shonky overseas affiliation is simply stating that you are happy to get shafted every year.

This year's "fake" NABBA debacle should be the straw that broke the camel's back.

If something doesn't change as a result of this then you might as well give up.

Muster up some support from the local competitors Ann, but whatever you do, don't give up.

Best of luck.

[agent86]

I'm sorry if I upset some competitors by calling them "Dumb". What I meant was that if you were a competitor who dieted and qualified for this competition and maybe paid your airfares after what happened to the Universe last year then maybe you are a little "dumb".

I have competed twice at the Universe and have won a Universe title. I have also won 5 Wellington Overall Physqiue titles. I expressed my concern after the 2006 Universe when most of our limited supporting countries left our federation to form a new federation called NAC. These countries were sick of having the same name as the real Nabba. I say "real" Nabba because this other federation has most countries affiliated and their Universe is in Southport where it has been held for decades.

Anyway since then the competition at our federation Internationally has been crap.

The Universe was cancelled with the reason that the sponsor pulled out. Wrong , nobody had actually arranged any countries to attend. The latest reason blames the credit crunch. How come the real Nabba World's are still going ahead in Slovakia.

I'm sorry but anyone who wants to compete at a real International competition must go through Australia.Many competitors are already doing this but it's a shame that we must pay to go to Australia to qualify. When you add these costs to the costs to travel to the other side of the World it becomes prohibitive. Plus you get no travel subsidy as you get from NZ Nabba. If you are a competitor who just wants to compete locally the things are fine but I'm afraid there is no challenge after that.

[agent86]

"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."

Don't you feel like an idiot now? I have done over 30 shows and won a Universe title. Also won 5 Mr Wellington Titles. I have discussed this issue on this forum as have many people. I have researched the history about the two federations for years so am well informed things. Look at the results of Universe and Worlds from both Nabba's and you will see the difference in quality. Just google Nabba or is that too hard to do?

[gmm]

From my 'sources' I believe it goes something like this:

The first NABBA International was held in France in 2001. Up to this point, NZ athelets had competed under the NABBA UK federation (which is the original NABBA).

NABBA International formed as a result of the following.....

Joe Lopez (of Spanish origin but a resident of Aust) was the international president of NABBA UK - which had it's head office in the UK, although Joe lived in Australia. This NABBA was the "real NABBA".

Sometime in the 90's Joe was arrested and charged with importing class A drugs and performance enhancing drugs into australia. Think he was imprisoned for about 4 years as a consequence. For this reason, he lost his Presidency of NABBA UK.

On Joe's release he wished to take his position of President again, as he believed he was simply on a 'leave of absense'. NABBA UK did not agree with him on this point.

Consequently, Joe rallied with a number of countries to form NABBA International which had/has a strong Spanish support due to it being Joe's country of birth. A number of other countries with links to Spain became divided in thier aliances, with some officials and atheletes joining NABBA international, while others remained with NABBA UK (the original).

Currently, NABBA International is not recognised within International bodybuilding circles, other than itself. All references to 'NABBA' in any European or American publications is referring to NABBA UK (i.e. the original).

The reason for NZ choosing to align themselves with NABBA International may have something to do with current President of the NZ NABBA International having a good relationship with Joe (but don't quote me on this, it's just what I have heard).

Recently, many European countries have returned to NABBA UK, the US has always remained aligned with NABBA UK as have all Sth American countries, except for Argentina.

Hope this provides some light on the situation. I'm not judging it, just providing some more insight to the subject.

Cheers G

[gmm]

I do feel for the competitors who have dieted for the Worlds. Taht must suck!!!!

One option, to ensure the dieting etc hasn't been wasted, would be to whip over to the NZFBB AKL champs next weekend, or the NZFBB Masterton Champs the following weekend and kick some arse!

It is a different federation but perhaps you could look to qualifying for the NZFBB Nationals and then who knows....maybe the IFBB worlds later in the year \:D/

I think it's pretty safe to say that that won't be cancelled (unless swine flu or recession gets the better of all of us).

Just an option, but one seriously worth thinking about.

G.

[bigmd]

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?

Grego

You DONT loose your qulaification to nationals, BUT your membership is lost so you do have to rejoin as a member but this is an international rule form the IFBB. The NZFBB must follow all the IFBB rules.

To look at it another way if you played rugby for Sydneham but one day went and played for shirley, you wouldn;t be very popular at your home club!!. Considering how cheap memberships and entries are into BBing shows this shouldnt put people off. if you did Tri's or Cycle event you would be forking out anywhere from $70 to $200 per event! personally/business wise, considering the low volume of monet BBing event get from sponsorship (due to not being mainstream or well supported in the wider community) Id beleive we should be charging $100 per entry.

My IFBB Pro Membership is $200 US per yr thats just to be registered as an athlete.

[Gym rat]

I also feel for the athlets who spend the weeks of dieting down for the NABBA worlds to find out now that the show has been cancelled including spending money on plane ticket to Spain as well or there is always next week the NZFBB Auckland champs,NZFBB North island champs on the 27th or any other NZFBB show or NABBA show later on in the year

[Outlaw53]

From my 'sources' I believe it goes something like this:

The first NABBA International was held in France in 2001. Up to this point, NZ athelets had competed under the NABBA UK federation (which is the original NABBA).

NABBA International formed as a result of the following.....

Joe Lopez (of Spanish origin but a resident of Aust) was the international president of NABBA UK - which had it's head office in the UK, although Joe lived in Australia. This NABBA was the "real NABBA".

Sometime in the 90's Joe was arrested and charged with importing class A drugs and performance enhancing drugs into australia. Think he was imprisoned for about 4 years as a consequence. For this reason, he lost his Presidency of NABBA UK.

On Joe's release he wished to take his position of President again, as he believed he was simply on a 'leave of absense'. NABBA UK did not agree with him on this point.

Consequently, Joe rallied with a number of countries to form NABBA International which had/has a strong Spanish support due to it being Joe's country of birth. A number of other countries with links to Spain became divided in thier aliances, with some officials and atheletes joining NABBA international, while others remained with NABBA UK (the original).

Currently, NABBA International is not recognised within International bodybuilding circles, other than itself. All references to 'NABBA' in any European or American publications is referring to NABBA UK (i.e. the original).

The reason for NZ choosing to align themselves with NABBA International may have something to do with current President of the NZ NABBA International having a good relationship with Joe (but don't quote me on this, it's just what I have heard).

Recently, many European countries have returned to NABBA UK, the US has always remained aligned with NABBA UK as have all Sth American countries, except for Argentina.

Hope this provides some light on the situation. I'm not judging it, just providing some more insight to the subject.

Cheers G

Nice work gmm, you did a better job than I did of explaining it.

[agent86]

Yes gmm that was a very good explanation. Joe Lopez expected to return as President as of right after a prison sentence for importing drugs. When he was turned down he took a few countries and formed a second Nabba or as far as he is concerned it is the original. Up to 2006 there was a few European countries aligned with us. At the 2006 Universe in Germany we arrived to find it had been renamed the "NAC Universe" or National Athletic Corportion".

There was a meeting on the Friday where the new NAC elected it's new President and committee. New Zealand and Spain did not agree so did not join this federation. Harald Hoyler of Germany was elected President. In the over 50 grade that year there were 17 competitors. Now they are lucky to get 3.

In our Worlds 2007 Steve Quinn got second out of 2 competitors.Tarren McCall got 1st ,she was the only competitor.Helen Aloioi 1st and Tracey Jackson 2nd,the only competitors.Melanie Westland 2nd, Teresa Edwards 3rd out of 3 competitors. In the 2007 Universe Roy Baxter got 3rd out of 3. Whoopee, they just spent about $4000 for that!

Nabba is supposed to be for the competitors but if I had dieted for 4 months and booked airfares and planned a holiday in Spain I would be a little bit pissed off. And where does it leave us now?

Would you be planning to do the Universe later in the year if you didn't know if it would be cancelled or at best be a shit competition. Plan on qualifying in Australia with Graeme Lancefield and travel to Southport for the real Universe. The poster is already out and has been sent to as many New Zealand competitors that have contacted him.

[Optimass]

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.

Like the no bullshit posts Outlaw ----> always enjoy :nod: .... I have competed in both "fake" NABBA and INBA shows here and can say from a local perspective I have enjoyed them although switched to nzfbb after a low turnout in Taupo (cant rem which year).

All things considered if it's as easy as swithing codes I think this would be a wellcome boost to NABBA in NZ given the amount of publicity NZFBB is getting on the back of more of our athletes graduating to pro. I think as a federation fake Nabba is lucky to have athletes like Tarryn, Tom and Greg (to name a very few) for whom are still loyal and perhaps it could be put to a vote to be sure the team will follow.

[Grego]

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

Hi Trainharder. Yep, I am a newby, through and through and never deny that fact. I have respect for anyone who competes and is into the sport, and I know there are people who are most certainly entiled to their opinions. You are right, I guess it was really the choice of words that got me going. Outlaw certainly explained in depth what was talked about, but I had never had the full story mentioned to me.

I am ok, I kind of said to my self early that the whole experience wouldn't sink in until I was on that plane leaving for Spain, so the process for me to get over it is fairly easy (as long as the Travel insurance pay up!). I did have other plans (i.e. a decent holiday) while I was over there, but thems the breaks. I am more gutted for Tom, as this has happend to him twice.

Thanks anyway to everyone for your support!

Grego

[Grego]

"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."

Don't you feel like an idiot now? I have done over 30 shows and won a Universe title. Also won 5 Mr Wellington Titles. I have discussed this issue on this forum as have many people. I have researched the history about the two federations for years so am well informed things. Look at the results of Universe and Worlds from both Nabba's and you will see the difference in quality. Just google Nabba or is that too hard to do?

No I don't feel like an idiot, but point is taken. I didn't think someone with your calibre would have used that sort of "tone" or show so little respect for fellow competitors thats all. However, I understand what you meant with the post before so truce on that one. I guess ultimately (and this includes Ann, who I have had a run in with before :oops: ) you are just showing your frustrations and I am certainly on the same page with you all.

As a NABBA Hawke's Bay Rep (for the sport) I am to attend the next exec meeting which co-insides with the BOP Champs in July. I might even print off these pages and use them as reference to finally find out what is going to be done.

I'll keep you all posted on this one......

So, in light of all this, thanks to everyone who has been supportive, and taking the time in explaining all this stuff to me and others. You don't know unless you ask! Yes, I am a newbie so it all helps.

Cheers

Grego

[Grego]

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?

Grego

You DONT loose your qulaification to nationals, BUT your membership is lost so you do have to rejoin as a member but this is an international rule form the IFBB. The NZFBB must follow all the IFBB rules.

To look at it another way if you played rugby for Sydneham but one day went and played for shirley, you wouldn;t be very popular at your home club!!. Considering how cheap memberships and entries are into BBing shows this shouldnt put people off. if you did Tri's or Cycle event you would be forking out anywhere from $70 to $200 per event! personally/business wise, considering the low volume of monet BBing event get from sponsorship (due to not being mainstream or well supported in the wider community) Id beleive we should be charging $100 per entry.

My IFBB Pro Membership is $200 US per yr thats just to be registered as an athlete.

Thanks for that Mike. I have heard a bit about you, hope to catch up sometime.

Cheers

Grego

[agent86]

Yes Grego I was a little rude in calling competitors dumb. I have been frustrated by this for 2 years now and feel that the innocent competitors don't know what is happening. They honestly train and diet believing that the best is being done for them.I was alone for the first year in my frustrations and was shouted as a stirrer. Last year more people started to realise the problem and started travelling to Australia. The Universe cancellation was frustrating as I was planning on being sponsored to go despite my doubts as to the quality. I did not book tickets as I had a feeling things were not right when I could not find anything on the internet regarding any Universe competition in Mumbai.

When competitors compete internationally they deserve to compete against the best otherwise why go.

I think you Grego have a lot of promise and I was really impressed by your photos. Nothing against you or anyone, competitors just want to compete and they don't need politics to spoil it.

I actually enjoyed my 4th placing out of 17 competitors better than winning in 2004 as it was such a buzz to be on stage with that quality.

I sense that you are as determined as I was and there must be an ultimate goal to aim for that is worth the effort. Nabba NZ are going to have to do something as the excuses for cancellations are wearing thin.

[Android]

Join the Irish NABBA for goodness sake!

Looks like it's held in a pub and the competition to be Mr Northern Ireland NABBA doesn't look that strong. What is the lineup. here...short, tall and obese?

[Ann]

Oh Outtie - you have such a suave nature about you :grin: If you need a shoulder to cry on matey when you hand over the trophies - I will be there to see you through it all - with tissues in hand and a smartarse grin on my face :pfft:

Kiwis and Aussies have always had this love/hate relationship - all in good fun though - as you well know.

Now, as for Alex - you just leave him alone - ya cheeky sod. We all know that Leanne wears the pants in that family so there has never been a question about "who the man is in that relationship. However, you may want to ask him if he wants to wear a dress on the day - I think a nice sparkly low cut number will do the trick!! Better still, I'll get a good friend of mine to create a one-off number just for him - that will get the guys going in the pump up room!! :pfft:

[Outlaw53]

Oh Outtie - you have such a suave nature about you :grin: If you need a shoulder to cry on matey when you hand over the trophies - I will be there to see you through it all - with tissues in hand and a smartarse grin on my face :pfft:

Kiwis and Aussies have always had this love/hate relationship - all in good fun though - as you well know.

Now, as for Alex - you just leave him alone - ya cheeky sod. We all know that Leanne wears the pants in that family so there has never been a question about "who the man is in that relationship. However, you may want to ask him if he wants to wear a dress on the day - I think a nice sparkly low cut number will do the trick!! Better still, I'll get a good friend of mine to create a one-off number just for him - that will get the guys going in the pump up room!! :pfft:

I will ask Alex if he wants to present this years CCI belt to the winner in a sparkly low-cut number.

The CCI is a gay-friendly show, so he is more than welcome to do so. :grin:

I have not given up yet, I have some good competitors who are hopefully going to turn the tables on you Kiwi bastards!

I knew it was a mistake inviting you guys over here.

How about showing some manners and letting us win a few classes for a change.

[Ann]

Great stuff. I can see it now The CCI Gay Games - has a nice ring to it don't ya think? :grin:

I'm all for Alex wearing a nice number on the day - but the boy has gotta go the whole hog - dress, some fabulous stilletto heels and some nice bling should do the trick - he'll look gorgeous - I'm sure the guys will appreciate that also.

As for manners - who do you think we are - bloody poms? Of course the kiwi contingent will show their manners and appreciation - in the knowledge that you are shining up the nice silverware just for them :pfft:

I won't be able to make it to your show (the less bloody kiwis over there the better - I can hear you say) but let me know where I should send this dosh for your fundraiser - every bit makes a difference.

[NABBA]

Ah, gotta love it.... the politics of this sport. I know Agent86 and Greg, both fine athletes. And I know Agent is pissed at me a little but I have to say this, as this stuff really gets to me.

The NABBA reps around the country - ie, Greg, Me and the others don't run NABBA NZ. We are part of the exec, we voice our opinions, we want to see our regional shows be successful, our competitors and audience members have a great time, and give back to a sport that we all love. We also want to see our athletes succeed overseas - in whatever international comps they do.

I can't talk for the other regions, but previously no one in Wellington stepped forward to organise our show- the shows used to be run from Palmerston. And we do have some world class athletes in Wellington, including Agent. Neville and myself stepped forward and voluteer our time, energy and passion to get our show off the ground. Probably two of the newest newbees to the sport down here! We try to stay out of the politics - Nev more than me!

I get annoyed with all the who said what etc, and just come on the board occassionally to express my opinions, as we are working our asses off to have successful show this year where athletes have fun - hence our motto "Wellington NABBA - Putting Athletes first". And sometimes when the bs of the politics gets to much, volunteers think "f#% it, can't be assed with this shit - run the show yourself". I'm competing this year and trying to sort the show, I already know my off-sider is so frustrated by the politics that he's ready to quit. That'll put NABBA Wellington back to where it was 3 years ago. As a competitor and someone who has worked hard to get sponosrs, athletes, and others keen in this sport, I really don't want to see that happen.

I'm really disappointed for the those who were getting ready for the international show - its heartbreaking. But all I know is opinion, gossip, rumour on what happened. I wasn't there when the sides split.

I respect Agent86 - he's an amazing athlete, I respect the opinions and thoughts of those members of this board. I also respect where our current NABBA President chooses to affliate. They run NABBA NZ, not us. If we did, we may do things differently. However, at the end of the day there is only so much we can do... if we could fix the wounds and band everyone back together it would have been done by now.

This discussion is always on this board, and nothing has changed yet. That doesn't mean it shouldn't, and the execs do raise this and discuss it at our national meeting. That's all we can do for now - unless we say "f#$% it - I don't have time for this, I'll just concentrate on myself, and not help out the sport I love".

As I've always said, I choose to support NABBA Wellington as I like show, the people, the athletes, and with all due respect to NZFBB - I'm not a fan. This is where I choose to give back.

Ok, I have ranted long enough.

Inyan

NABBA Wellington

[Grego]

Yes Grego I was a little rude in calling competitors dumb. I have been frustrated by this for 2 years now and feel that the innocent competitors don't know what is happening. They honestly train and diet believing that the best is being done for them.I was alone for the first year in my frustrations and was shouted as a stirrer. Last year more people started to realise the problem and started travelling to Australia. The Universe cancellation was frustrating as I was planning on being sponsored to go despite my doubts as to the quality. I did not book tickets as I had a feeling things were not right when I could not find anything on the internet regarding any Universe competition in Mumbai.

When competitors compete internationally they deserve to compete against the best otherwise why go.

I think you Grego have a lot of promise and I was really impressed by your photos. Nothing against you or anyone, competitors just want to compete and they don't need politics to spoil it.

I actually enjoyed my 4th placing out of 17 competitors better than winning in 2004 as it was such a buzz to be on stage with that quality.

I sense that you are as determined as I was and there must be an ultimate goal to aim for that is worth the effort. Nabba NZ are going to have to do something as the excuses for cancellations are wearing thin.

Cheers mate.

Yep, there is some explaining to do with all this carry on. I'll let you all know what comes of the meeting in July, but I guess you already know what the outcome will be, but I remain positive.

Cheers

Grego

[agent86]

Inyan said

However, at the end of the day there is only so much we can do... if we could fix the wounds and band everyone back together it would have been done by now.

This discussion is always on this board, and nothing has changed yet. That doesn't mean it shouldn't, and the execs do raise this and discuss it at our national meeting. That's all we can do for now - unless we say "f#$% it - I don't have time for this, I'll just concentrate on myself, and not help out the sport I love".

This is not about Nabba itself, it is about International affiliation. Just because nothing has changed doesn't mean we give up. You and Neville are doing the most amazing job for the Wellington region and despite this controversy the Wellington Champs will be a success. Before you took over the reigns the Wellington show was close to being canned.

However for a few top athletes the only real challenge they have is at International level and there is really something about jumping on that plane and going to a top competition. We are not close to Europe so any competitions are going to cost a lot and involve a lot of travel. This is a huge commitment and those who compete locally have no idea.

There will be no impact on Nabba competitors at local level as these are good shows. However you cannot just cancel two huge competitions and expect people to just accept it. Nabba needs to look after it's top competitors as people like to see them at shows. What is going to happen to top competitors like Mark Anderson and Nathan O'Hearn

This is not against Wellington Nabba. If someone cancelled the Wellington show just before you were to compete you would be pissed off but there are other competitions you could do. Our top athletes can't do this.

You say you are close to giving up but I would say there are a few top athletes thinking the same after 2 cancelled shows.

I support the Nabba federation because of your commitment and I say to all bodybuilders that the Wellington Show will be awesome and it will be without me so you have better chance of winning it.

[bigmd]

It seems that everyone is on the same page, wanting the best for Bodybuilding and the athletes. What its going to take is for ONE Person to accept that their decision is causing such a divide in NABBA NZ. That ONE person, would need to accept for the better of NZ's International Athletes, a change should be made. Why does this person not listen to the athletes and many of the people who support NABBA NZ? Is it due to that any change would mean this person would loose their "international title"?

If there was a change back to NABBA (uk) who in NZ would NOT be supportive of this move???

I dont know of anyone!!!

For those that are involved with the running of NABBA, do a Pro's and Con's list......pretty simple really!!

[Grego]

Ah, gotta love it.... the politics of this sport. I know Agent86 and Greg, both fine athletes. And I know Agent is pissed at me a little but I have to say this, as this stuff really gets to me.

The NABBA reps around the country - ie, Greg, Me and the others don't run NABBA NZ. We are part of the exec, we voice our opinions, we want to see our regional shows be successful, our competitors and audience members have a great time, and give back to a sport that we all love. We also want to see our athletes succeed overseas - in whatever international comps they do.

I can't talk for the other regions, but previously no one in Wellington stepped forward to organise our show- the shows used to be run from Palmerston. And we do have some world class athletes in Wellington, including Agent. Neville and myself stepped forward and voluteer our time, energy and passion to get our show off the ground. Probably two of the newest newbees to the sport down here! We try to stay out of the politics - Nev more than me!

I get annoyed with all the who said what etc, and just come on the board occassionally to express my opinions, as we are working our asses off to have successful show this year where athletes have fun - hence our motto "Wellington NABBA - Putting Athletes first". And sometimes when the bs of the politics gets to much, volunteers think "f#% it, can't be assed with this shit - run the show yourself". I'm competing this year and trying to sort the show, I already know my off-sider is so frustrated by the politics that he's ready to quit. That'll put NABBA Wellington back to where it was 3 years ago. As a competitor and someone who has worked hard to get sponosrs, athletes, and others keen in this sport, I really don't want to see that happen.

I'm really disappointed for the those who were getting ready for the international show - its heartbreaking. But all I know is opinion, gossip, rumour on what happened. I wasn't there when the sides split.

I respect Agent86 - he's an amazing athlete, I respect the opinions and thoughts of those members of this board. I also respect where our current NABBA President chooses to affliate. They run NABBA NZ, not us. If we did, we may do things differently. However, at the end of the day there is only so much we can do... if we could fix the wounds and band everyone back together it would have been done by now.

This discussion is always on this board, and nothing has changed yet. That doesn't mean it shouldn't, and the execs do raise this and discuss it at our national meeting. That's all we can do for now - unless we say "f#$% it - I don't have time for this, I'll just concentrate on myself, and not help out the sport I love".

As I've always said, I choose to support NABBA Wellington as I like show, the people, the athletes, and with all due respect to NZFBB - I'm not a fan. This is where I choose to give back.

Ok, I have ranted long enough.

Inyan

NABBA Wellington

Primo Inyan,

Can I say Ditto and pinch most of that? LOL.

Hawke's Bay's last year show was the "make or break" for the chopping block. Andrew Murray (HB NABBA Rep) and his wife Rachel did heaps toward that comp and I lent a hand where possible, and that's why we stepped up this year with Andrew as the main rep and I as the co-rep, as we both felt it was our obligation to give the sport the effort it deserves in our area. Andrew and I will both be competeing and helping out back again this year to.

Due to the sell out crowd last year and the way the show was run we are looking at another good show this year with hopefully (at this stage) a good physique line up. Some "old names" tentitively coming back heard from the good ol' grapevine.

Definately Mike, same page.

Cheers all

Grego

HB NABBA Rep

[hawks]

well it isnt the real Nabba any way , oh well never mind. I think it is way over due for someone new to take over the reigns of nabba , i bought this up years ago . but alas to no avail. ol pitty is still running it and wearing the same white jacket to the nationals. It amuses me how people can make a judgment they know little about , believe me the officials are not in it for the love of the sport , they do quite well out of it while the competitors suffer,cheap accommodation and air fairs good on them.

[NABBA]

well it isnt the real Nabba any way , oh well never mind. I think it is way over due for someone new to take over the reigns of nabba , i bought this up years ago . but alas to no avail. ol pitty is still running it and wearing the same white jacket to the nationals. It amuses me how people can make a judgment they know little about , believe me the officials are not in it for the love of the sport , they do quite well out of it while the competitors suffer,cheap accommodation and air fairs good on them.

Love it! I'm an "official" and trust me mate, I'm not making any money out of it - no cheap trip, no cheap accomadation - nothing. Hell, I don't even get a free lunch the day of the show, the Wellington Books are well and truely open! I believe we made $1.76 last year. Wooo hooo, that's sitting in the kitty for this year.

It amuses me how people can make a judgment they know little about

All our money goes back to the athletes. You are more than welcome to come along and help out, see how we do things in Wellington, as you are making a judgement.

I am in it for the love of the sport, as are all of the local officials who volunteer their time to run local shows.

When Jim decides to retire, the successful incumbant will make whatever decisions they feel are right for NABBA NZ, the sport nationally and internationally. Whomever that is I would hate to be in their shoes, because you will be damned if you do and damned if you don't.

Inyan

Wellington NABBA