The 21st Night of Champions of the Bermuda Body Building Federation (BBBF) reached an exciting climax over the weekend with Sidney Bean being judged winner of the Mr. Bermuda 2008 title, Susan Rebello becoming Ms Bermuda 2008, and Sandra Simmons the Ms Figure Fitness champ.

The Ruth Seaton James Centre for the Performing Arts was packed to overflowing for the event, reflecting what the organisers see as the growing interest in Bermuda, as indeed worldwide, in figure fitness and good health. The audience responded enthusiastically throughout the programme to the warm welcome given by BBBF president Dennis Wainwright, MBE.

The federation, Mr. Wainwright stated, wants to continue providing a quality and healthy forum for bodybuilding to thrive for future athletes of Bermuda. BBBF is a member of the Central American & Caribbean Body Building Federation and an associate member of the Bermuda Olympics Association.

Mr. Bean's success qualifies him to represent Bermuda next month in the Bahamas on the team going to the Central American and Caribbean Championships. Mr. Wainwright noted how Bermuda had scored in July this year at the Antilles Regional Championships held in Turks and Caicos.

Karen Mayers placed second in figure fitness, Ellisa Weekes was second in women's heavyweight body building, and JaVaughn Dill was first in men's lightweight body building.

Bermuda can now boast of five professional athletes in body building and women's fitness, stated the president.

A surprise feature during the programme of the BBBF's 21 Annual Bermuda Night of Champions was the screening of a documentary on the adventures of ClairAnn Moore (seen above). She was featured telling how she embarked on the body building route via the Sea View Ultimate Fitness Club to counteract challenges of disabilities she had faced from birth.

The audience was brought to its feet at the end of the short video, and they applauded even more when she rolled on stage in her wheelchair to receive from the hands of Premier Ewart Brown the federation's medallion for participation as well as its novice's trophy.

ClairAnn, who is better known as Princess, related how she was 50 years old, having been born on July 4, 1958.

"I have been disabled since birth. The doctors say I have three disabilities, cerebral palsy, scoliosis and a touch of polio. The doctors told me that my legs would never develop.

"As a woman and a disabled person, I was looking for something to enhance my life even more. So seven years ago I started attending Sea View gym. My life has changed tremendously as well as my body. My trainer (Percy Paynter), whom I feel is one of a kind, works me to the 'max'. He treats me no differently than any of his other clients. He is my HERO. I would like to become a training instructor myself one day and plan to with God's help."

The Premier, who happens to be a client at Sea View gym, roundly congratulated ClairAnn in presenting her medallion. He told the applauding audience how he had personally observed her going through her routines at the gym. He had seen her work out hard, rain, blow or shine, arriving as early as 7 a.m., and she got no special treatment.

ClairAnn, who is a committed Christian woman and a motivational speaker, voiced her gratitude, while Dr. Brown and federation president Mr. Wainwright stood at her side. She said she first wanted to give God honour as well as to her mother, Mrs. Joan Moore, and the memory of her late father, St.Clair (Blondie) Moore. Then she singled out her trainer, Mr. Paynter.

"He is my teacher, trainer, mentor, motivator, my friend, my hero. He's my best friend other than God," declared ClairAnn as she smilingly flexed the muscles of her arms to the delight of the audience.

Mr. Paynter explained to this writer how ClairAnn happened by the gym one day and expressed her interest. He was a bit sceptical at the outset about her, as many before her had come in with more mouth than dedication. He told her there was no playing at the gym. Things took off from day one. Whatever he threw at her, stepped up her progressive resistance, she persevered

"I call her a trouper, willing to take on challenges and stick to the wicket," said Mr. Paynter, adding that he knows of no other person locally with such disabilities as ClairAnn. In the last seven years, most especially the past four years, she had not only developed her upper body but increased the range of movement in her chair and ability to walk longer in her walker.

ClairAnn, who lives at Summer Haven in Smith's, used to drive her specially adapted car. Now she owns a 50cc three-wheel bike that someone anonymously donated to her. It is the only one of its kind with a canopy.