The Tribune

THE Bahamas Bodybuilding Wellness & Fitness Federation (BBWFF) has returned to The Bahamas following a successful trip to Spain, where the Federation participated in the 2026 International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) World Congress and World Championships.

The trip was a significant achievement for Bahamian bodybuilding and fitness, particularly with the successful development of our international judging representation.

One of the major accomplishments was the advancement of Lafayette Johnson, who has now become an internationally qualified IFBB judge, adding to his credentials as a local and continental judge. This is an important milestone for The Bahamas and demonstrates the continued commitment of the BBWFF to developing qualified Bahamian officials who can represent our country on the international stage.

"Additionally, I am proud to announce that I had the honor of becoming the first Bahamian IFBB Elite Pro judge to officiate at a World Championship, judging both amateur and professional competitors at the World Championship level," Wellington Sears, president of the BBWFF.

Sears called it a historic accomplishment for Bahamian bodybuilding and another positive step forward for the federation.

"Although we were unable to travel with athletes on this occasion, the trip was undertaken as a self-funded initiative by myself, as president of the federation, and Lafayette Johnson," Sears said.

"Our participation was driven by our commitment to maintaining The Bahamas' international presence, strengthening our relationship with the IFBB, and creating greater opportunities for our athletes and officials."

The Bahamas also had one professional athlete represented at the international level who is part of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture's athlete subvention programme.

Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture

The Federation wishes to express its appreciation to the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture for its assistance and support over the years.

"We are, however, still awaiting the outstanding annual grants for 2025 and 2026," Sears said. "These funds are important to the Federation's ability to settle outstanding financial obligations and continue supporting the development of bodybuilding, wellness and fitness throughout The Bahamas.

"We recognise that the Ministry may currently be experiencing administrative and financial challenges, and we remain patient and hopeful as we await the release of the outstanding funding. The Federation remains committed to accountability, transparency and the continued development of our sport."

Upcoming National Championships and Thanksgiving Fit Festival

"Our attention now turns to the upcoming BBWFF National Championships and Northern Bahamas Thanksgiving Fit Festival, scheduled for Saturday, November 28, 2026, in Freeport, Grand Bahama," Sears said.

"This combined event represents an exciting opportunity to bring together athletes, officials, supporters and fitness enthusiasts from throughout The Bahamas while continuing to strengthen bodybuilding and fitness in the Northern Bahamas."

Following this event, the Federation is also hopeful of taking a small Bahamian team to Miami for the IFBB Elite Pro competition scheduled for December 4–5, 2026. This would provide another opportunity for Bahamian athletes to gain international exposure and experience.

Looking Ahead

The BBWFF remains committed to its mandate of developing bodybuilding, wellness and fitness in The Bahamas through international representation, qualified officials, athlete development, youth participation and community engagement.

"Our participation in Spain was about more than attending a congress or competition. It was about building relationships, gaining international experience, strengthening our Federation and ensuring that The Bahamas continues to have a voice and presence within the international bodybuilding and fitness community," Sears said.

"We are proud of our progress, grateful for the opportunities, and optimistic about the future."