Bermuda Strongman Competition is back this month to tackle health problems by making exercise fun again.

The second instalment of the annual event that will push competitors to their limits, will raise money for charity while also providing young black men with a positive outlet and mentorship opportunities.

Organiser Kyle James, of Find Your Grind, said: “This opportunity that we are creating is not only about teaching these young men about fitness and nutrition choices, but also to develop long-lasting relationships that have the potential to really enhance these young men’s lives moving forward.”

Mr James pointed to rising rates of conditions such as diabetes and cancer, as well as a “serious lack of knowledge regarding food nutrition and the importance of exercise balance”.

He added: “I believe simply with an increase in the awareness of our daily diets and the need for daily exercise, we will be able to see significant improvements of our health statistics over time.

“For this to happen, it’s absolutely vital that exercise, health and nutrition must become fun again.”

Mr James explained that in addition to tackling the island’s health problems, the competition also aims to provide young men with a positive outlet.

The big brother with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bermuda mentors an 11-year-old boy who’s father was murdered as a result of gang violence.

He said it was “unacceptable” how the island’s population had become desensitised to gang violence and “has almost dangerously accepted it as a norm”.

Mr James said: “I strongly believe there is much power in the act of relationship building for the mentoring of our young men and future leaders.

“These primarily young black males seek older role models and if they latch on to the wrong influence, they will surely be directed in a path that is not best for themselves or the community.”

He added that the thought of integrating his passion for mentoring and developing youth with his passion of health and fitness was an exciting prospect.

“So it only made sense to bring some young males into the competition and give them the opportunity to be mentored by some of our strongman adults.”

For 16-year-old Tennesson Telemaque, the competition is a golden opportunity to match his strength against his peers.

The Saltus Grammar School student, who won the student category last year, said: “It gives me the outlet to train with people who are of the same ability and age as me.

“It’s increased my confidence and it’s given me a better perspective on my abilities and the abilities of my peers.

“It was really a golden opportunity. A lot of the sports we usually do in school, I am not physically adept for. Strongman competition is more explosive power and strength.”

Tennesson said he learnt a lot about himself and his limits by taking part last year.

He also enjoys being able to train with his mentor, Kacper Kulig, in the lead-up to the competition.

The challenges will see competitors flip a 600-800lbs tyre, pull a car for 50 metres and lift three cement atlas balls on to barrels of different heights.

They will also clean and press a steel pole as many times as possible in two minutes and do a farmer’s walk, which will see them carry weights for 20 yards.

Mr James said: “The brute strength of these individuals always proves to be a jaw-dropping experience and it’s precisely that impact that I’m looking to bring to this local competition.

“We have an awesome programme designed for this year. We are increasing both the number of male adult and student competitors, but also through significant demand have added a women’s division.”

Six men and four students took part last year. And this year, ten men and four women will compete along with six male high school students. All proceeds will go to Big Brothers Big Sisters.

The competition will be held at Bulls Head car park from 11am to 4pm on Saturday. Tickets cost $10 for adults — students are free.