Even though I retired from the competitive bodybuilding stage after last years shows I wanted to stay involved in the sport that changed my life. I had accomplished more during my career than I would have ever had imagined and wanted to see others to share that same sense of accomplishment and pride. In the local area I help bodybuilders with their posing techniques and help a select few with their contest prep. I am also a judge at the local NPC level and enjoy seeing others shine on stage.
However, I have always wanted to promote my own bodybuilding, fitness, and figure show and make it "the show" to do! Recently, my wife and I submitted a proposal to the local Minnesota NPC committee for a new Natural Bodybuilding show in our area.
We received the offical confirmation that our proposal was accepted a month ago and we begin the planning process to promote this show in the spring of 2008. We wanted a whole year to produce this event because we have a lot of ideas we want to incorporate into the show. An overview of our proposal included the following ideas:
Promoting NPC Natural Bodybuilding, Fitness, and Figure Competitions.
The growth of natural bodybuilding competitions is growing at a fast rate within the United States and is attracting athletes, who wish to compete drug free, to other bodybuilding federations. It is our intention to limit this exodus and improve the opportunity for natural athletes to be recognized and rewarded for their efforts within the NPC organization.
Give New Athletes an Opportunity to Compete.
Some athletes may be intimidated to step on stage with seasoned veterans. If we want to expand our sport we must attempt to attract new athletes. We are proposing to offer a Novice Class which would only be open to first time competitors and to those who have not placed 1st or 2nd in their weight classes in previous competitions. Novice Class competitors would also be allowed to compete in the Open Class competition if they so desire.
Competitors Come First.
It is our intent that the athletes who will compete in this show will be provided the best treatment and facilities to showcase their physiques. From backstage assistance to photographs of them on stage, everyone will be treated like royalty. A positive experience will garner repeat competitors.
Attract More Competitors, Audience Members, and Sponsors.
If our ambitions succeed we are confident that we can expand the number of competitors seeking to compete in this natural show each year. It is also our goal to expand the audience base beyond just friends and families of competitors in attendance. Major sponsorships will be solicited and their involvement with the sport of natural bodybuilding will equally be rewarded and recognized.
Provide an Entertaining Show.
While guest posers may draw some fans to a show, often times their routines or conditioning leaves something to be desired. While we may still showcase Regional and National level natural athletes as guest posers we are also hoping to provide other types of attractions to entertain the audience throughout the evening.
Expand the Reach of the Show.
We are looking to attract athletes from throughout the Midwest region. We have not yet settled on a name for the show but are considering the "NPC Heartland Natural Classic" because it represents the core of our desire to attract the best natural athletes from throughout the heartland of the United States.
Create a Show Website.
This website would help showcase our natural athletes, promote our sponsors, and be an avenue to attract new competitors, audience members, and sponsors to our event.
Date of Show.
We are proposing to hold this show annually on, or around, the 2nd weekend of April. The Gopher State show, which is normally held in this time slot, is planning to move to a June date in 2008 and our show will now become the first NPC show in Minnesota every year. Our scheduled show debut is
April 12, 2008.
While we have many details to finalize we are excited to begin this venture to promote NPC bodybuilding. Everyone's input is welcome to help make this show a marquee event for the NPC Midwest region.
Besided the local input we are soliciting I am also reaching out to all of the people on the getbig forums for their ideas and suggestions. If you have competed at a show or have been an audience member I'm sure you've had good and bad experiences. Please share them with us. By providing everyone involved with a positive experience we hope to grow the sport of NPC natural bodybuilding to new heights.
Wish us luck!
For show information go to our new website (under construction) at:
http://www.npchnc.comemail suggestions to:
info@npchnc.comRandy Leppala
Promoter
nuff said...
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