For the first time in 24 years, Wanganui will play host to one of the major national bodybuilding organisations provincial events when the Manawatu/Wanganui championships are held here on April 5.
The Manawatu branch of the National Amateur Bodybuilders' Association (NABBA) have moved their provincial show to the Wanganui CollegiateSchool auditorium because they will be hosting the 2014 national championships in Palmerston North this October.
Spokeswoman Marianne Poole said having the event in Wanganui was recognition of how much the sport has grown here.
With more than 40 entries confirmed before the deadline this weekend, virtually every local gym has contributed at least one competitor including ReVitalise Natural Health and Fitness, Inspire Health & Fitness Centre, City Gym and Club Fitness.
"We've always done a Manawatu thing, but the last couple of years we've hoped to bring Horowhenua and Wanganui into it, and Wanganui has really flourished," said Poole. "It's not all about Mr Olympia that's the elite of the elite but this is the grassroots stuff."
ReVitalise is holding posing practices every Sunday at 2pm in the buildup to the show.
The event will cover all classes of body types fitness, shape, figure, athletic and physique. On April 5, the judging round will be from 1-3pm, with the night show starting at 6pm. .
Entry to the public in the afternoon is $15 and the evening show is $20.
