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PROMOTERS OFFER GREATER OPPORTUNITY Hache explained that the driving force behind competition is the promoters ; without them , the majority of the most prestigious events in Canada would never have left the ground . Essentially , the new CPA will preserve something of a status quo for operating the most renowned competitions coast to coast .
“ All the big name events are promoter driven , and there will be no change to that ; this will still be in effect ,” says Hache . “ Whether it be New Brunswick , Nova Scotia , Newfoundland , Alberta , British Columbia , and so on , all of the existing shows whose lifeline is the promoters will still be in place . The most common goal of all our athletes is to obtain an IFBB pro card , and that ’ s exactly what we ’ re going to continue to offer .”
In addition to a full slate of well-known marquee events , the CPA will actively run smaller ( and new ) events , all thanks to the support offered by promoters .
“ The promoters are the ones who enhance the experience for athletes and fans alike ,” says Hache . “ I am very proud of the promoters who will be running events
“ The promoters are the ones who enhance the experience for athletes and fans alike ,” says Hache .
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in local small communities , even assuming some great financial risks and sacrifice . They have given an opportunity for many first-time competitors to compete in front of their families and friends ; this in turn has inspired growing numbers to participate in the sport .”
EUROPEAN NATIONS FOL- LOWING SUIT With the split of the IFBB Pro League from the Europebased IFBB Amateur League , the issue of European athletes being left out in the cold from the biggest events in the world , such as the Olympia , has arisen . However , those athletes will still be given fair opportunity . “ There are now a lot of new championships and pro qualifiers , like Amateur Open competitions , that have been developed in Europe to ensure that athletes based in Europe can compete on the Olympia stage ,” says Hache . In fact , both the Toronto Pro SuperShow and the Vancouver Pro Show will offer pro qualifiers open worldwide for those outside Canada wishing to compete for that elusive IFBB pro card .
Also , in addition to that option , any European athlete who happens to have a United States green card may now enter NPC events without requiring permission from the IFBB Amateur League . Hache also touched on the fact that some European nations may soon follow the CPA ’ s lead . “ It appears that there will soon be professional ties with many European nations . England is coming on board , along with Italy , and many more to follow . They have a good appreciation for the fact the
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most successful shows are promoter driven .”
UNPRECEDENTED ATHLETE SUPPORT The CBBF has criticized the new CPA as being a “ forprofit ” organization that disregards the interest of the athletes , while contending that the CBBF itself is “ non-profit ” and a superior advocate for them . However , Hache extinguishes this theory .
“ We have a lot of events wherein all the money that comes in , goes out ; there ’ s often no profit on our end at all ,” says Hache . “ At the 2017 Ben Weider Legacy Cup , for instance , we put up $ 45,000 U . S . paid directly to the nonprofit IFBB international and the promoter did not make any money . We would rather give athletes more incentive and opportunity . We offer great prizes and pay for qualifying athletes ' travel expenses . It should be remembered that we are an entertainment sport with a business side to it .”
Another example of the opportunity presented to athletes on their quest to obtain professional status was recently offered . At the 2017 GNC Allmax Gala Championships , held on December 2 in Toronto , no less than nine qualifying athletes were awarded $ 700 each for travel expenses , accommodation , and entry fees to the Toronto Pro SuperShow pro qualifier . The Gala event itself is a regional Open event and qualifier for the Toronto Pro Super Show pro qualifier .
FREEDOM AND CHOICE Among the other charges lobbied by the CBBF against the CPA is that allowing
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athletes to enter more than one competition class is not in their best interest and is essentially a money grab . Hache again shatters this notion .
“ In terms of an athlete choosing their class , we ’ re not going to refuse anyone to try whichever class they want ,” says Hache . “ We of course have a lot of new competitors who simply won ’ t know the most appropriate class in which to compete , until they actually step on stage . If you ’ re a Bikini athlete who wants to try Figure , why shouldn ’ t you be able to do that ? We leave it completely up to the athlete . This is a judgement sport and there is a fine line sometimes between the criteria required for the various classes . Furthermore , the entry fees in our events go to help the promoters cover their costs . If promoters happen to make a profit , this is not a bad thing . Ultimately , the athletes benefit significantly .”
The new CPA ’ s website ( canadianphysiquealliance . com ) will launch on December 15 , and visitors can learn more about the changes and what ’ s in store going forward . Information about the new tier system based on NPC guidelines is available , which according to Hache , is competitor-friendly and will require only subtle differences to athletes ’ presence on stage . With the glowing support of promoters , old and new , the CPA is slated to run a total of 55 shows across Canada in 2018 , with 26 of them taking place in Ontario .
“ The nature of promoterdriven events will continue to open up many more opportunities for athletes ,” says Hache .
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