UP TO five competitors will be offered the chance to become IFBB Pros at Sunday's BPA British Finals – with the federation growing even stronger next year.
President Helen O'Reilly has an agreement in place with IFBB President Rafael Santonja and will be awarding overall winners the chance to apply for an IFBB Pro card. The BPA British Finals takes place at the Athena Theatre in Leicester on Sunday, September 29.
O'Reilly has been working behind the scenes to grow the British Physique Alliance, which only launched last season. There are two more shows expected to be added to the calendar next season, with one in the North West and one in Glasgow. And she believes a key part of growing the federation is listening to competitors' requests.
O'Reilly said: "It's very hard to top last year's inaugural BPA British. But we have promised to listen to what competitors want. They have asked to be able to crossover into different categories. We have relaxed this to allow them to step into categories they want to see if they fit into them.
"We had previously separated Masters into 35-39, 40-49 and 50 plus. But some of the over 50s have asked to stand with over 40s. Another example is Classic Physique trying Mens Physique.
"We also have an arrangement with IFBB Pro to invite overall champions to apply for a Pro Card.
"This year we have seen an upturn in Northern Ireland and Scottish competitors coming to the British. And we are hoping to announce at least two more qualifiers next season. This will push more toward the British."
The IFBB Pro recently changed its logo, dropping the word 'Elite' from its name in a move which could see the IFBB Pro League renamed. The old red pro cards will be replaced by a new gold version at the BPA British. O'Reilly said: "We have a new IFBB Pro Card – an A3 card – which the competitor can take away with them, whether they wish to apply for it or stay amateur. It's always good to say you've been presented with a pro card.
"We also have a few sponsors at the BPA British, including Macro Based Diet, Bodyfitness Limited and Godzilla Gear. We have Shuttershots giving free gym photoshoots to all the champions. Beyond Temptation have a stand and are giving away their tasty treats to champions. One Percent Perfumes will also have a stand and are going to be at the Rising Stars and Masters Allstars next season.
O'Reilly, who is also promoting the BPA Supershow on October 26 and the IFBB Pro show Night of Champions the same day, also revealed what work has been going on behind the scenes.
She said: "We are reaching out to new sponsors and promoters, training and adding new judges and officials. We are answering many questions from potential new competitors and it looks very promising for the new season.
"We're looking at many ways to keep improving with regards to admin, social media and automated systems. The BPA are also visiting other shows and seeing if we can learn anything. And we are constantly trying to improve while still being good value for money with trophies, prizes and staging.
"Sponsorship is not easy to come by, however, especially as a start up. We can only try to continue to put the competitors first, gain good feedback and hope that word of mouth brings more competitors and sponsorship. We are absolutely delighted with the competitors feedback as we feel it's genuine and unsolicited."
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