NEW YORK, NY (April 19, 2012): Every bodybuilder wants to rise above his peers to be recognized as the best of the best and fulfill the dream of making it to the big time: the IFBB Pro League. This year, the best amateurs of Asia, the Middle East and Africa will gather in Kuwait for the opportunity of a lifetime at the 2012 IFBB Amateur Olympia on November 29-30. Now in its second year and with a coveted IFBB Pro card awarded to the overall winner, the Amateur Olympia promises to be the winner-take-all event of the season.
“The IFBB’s mission is to give athletes all over the world the opportunity to compete at the highest level," IFBB Pro League Chairman Jim Manion said. "This year’s contest is further proof of our continued growth. Thanks to the combined efforts of IFBB President Rafael Santonja, the Olympia LLC and AMI/Weider Publications, we are making it possible for athletes to follow their dreams and for fans of this great sport to see the best bodybuilders in the world."
Contest promoter Bader Boodai, President of the Kuwait Bodybuilding Federation and owner of Oxygen Gym in Kuwait, added: “We are all very excited to bring bodybuilding to the Mecca of the Middle East and to see all the great athletes from Asia, the Middle East and Africa competing for the honor of earning an IFBB pro card.”
The first-ever Amateur Olympia was held in 2011 in London. Sami Al Haddad of Bahrain won the “up to 90kg” class and the overall to obtain IFBB Pro status.
“The Mr. Olympia is a mythical name and title for bodybuilders worldwide,” IFBB President Dr. Rafael Santonja said. “The Amateur Olympia is for the IFBB a key event in our annual international program. The popularity of our sport in Asian, Middle Eastern and African countries is great and now talented bodybuilders will have the opportunity to participate in the Amateur Olympia.”
WHAT: 2012 IFBB Amateur Olympia
WHERE: Kadsiya Handball Stadium, Kuwait City, Kuwait
