NABBA Hawkes Bay, Napier. 7 July 2012

Stage pics and Happy Snaps
by Paul McSweeney

NABBA Hawkes Bay Overall Winners
Miriam Johnston, Shape.
Janine Haywood, Figure.
Ali Richards, Phys.
Kenneth Clayton, Phys.
Eduardo Perez, Athletic

Overall Winners Pic
by Muscleimaging.com

NABBA HAWKES BAY 2012 SHOW REPORT by Sarah Parr

Word must have been out about last years’ fantastic event because this year’s show drew in almost double the amount of competitive athletes! Add to that complimentary backstage food and well-packed prize bags for the athletes with Shane Gibson on the mic and its little wonder that a great time was had by all.

While I wrote last years’ show report as a competitor in the event, this year I had a completely different take on events as a trainer and backstage helper. As always at this Hawke’s Bay event, the backstage atmosphere was very friendly and relaxed with the athletes being given plenty of help and information from the NABBA officials. Having two athletes backstage myself, knowing exactly which class was on and being kept up to date was great. The flow of information through to the athletes backstage is so important when you’re competing- so a big thanks guys!

It was great to see turn out of five excellent ladies for the shape class in which my girl Tracy Coyle placed 3rd, qualifying for the nationals with Stephanie Ward (2nd) and Miriam Johnston(1st). Hats off to Cath Gibson who won the novice figure short class and also became a crowd favourite with her finely-tuned ‘pocket rocket’ physique.

The overall figure title went to wickedly lean, senior figure winner Janine Haywood Also making an impressive showing in the Novice Athletic class was winner and newcomer Richard Burns while veteran competitor Willie Walker was back onstage and took out the Masters 50+ Class with style.

The Overall Women’s physique was eventually collected by a well-proportioned Ali Richards.

The Men’s Open physique class boasted two goliaths but was taken out by overall Champion Kenneth Clayton, whose physique is only matched by his equally big smile! It wasn’t easy with hot competition like Andrew Murray and Dion Roberts but Eduardo Perez (who I’m lucky to call my partner) took out the Open and Overall Athletic titles , wowing the judges with an undeniably shredded physique.

The Steve Miller Memorial Gym Trophy was won by athletes from City Fitness Napier- Thanks to Megan Miller for travelling out town to personally present this award. Another of the evening’s highlights was hearing the glowing feedback from the spectators- many of whom were first-timer at a bodybuilding event and had no idea what to expect, yet were nonetheless supportive and I’m sure more than a few were inspired by the physiques they saw!

A big thanks to all supporters- it wouldn’t be an event without you. I couldn’t sign off without recognising all the work both Andrew and Rachel Murray put into making this years Hawke’s Bay Championships, once again a roaring success-thanks guys for helping us show the rest of New Zealand what Hawke’s Bay is made of!

Sarah Parr
10 July 12