Sportex exhibition to host third annual Body Building Competition

The premier international event for the sports, fitness, health and leisure industry in the Middle East, now in its sixth year, will once again play host to the annual Body Building Competition.

Organised in association with the UAE Body Building Federation, this year's event will be divided into two weight categories: above 80kg and below 80kg. At least 20 athletes are expected to compete in each category, with up to five prizes being awarded.

"The competition is open to all, and we hope to see plenty of competitors taking part," said Hussain Al Saffar, General Secretary, UAE Body Building Federation.

"This is the third time we have held this event as part of Sportex and each year it has been a huge success. Body building is becoming increasingly popular as a sport and competitions such as this help to raise awareness of the athletics industry in the Middle East."

The Body Building Competition will include a weigh-in, prejudging round, final round, and prize giving ceremony.

Show organiser, International Expo Consults (IEC) will be awarding a series of cash prizes, trophies and medals for the Body Building Competition winners.

In-Muscle will be giving away free nutritional supplements to the winner for six months. Second place will receive four months free supplements, while third place will receive three months. The company is also sponsoring a delegation of six Iranian athletes coming to Dubai to compete in this competition.

"Iran is the most lucrative market in the Middle East. Awareness of body building is growing in this part of the world but it will take a couple of years to reach the stage of markets in US, Canada, Australia and UK," said Ahmad Kargar, general manager, In Muscle.

For those of us mere mortals not in possession of a six-pack, the exhibition will also showcase the very latest in sports, fitness, health, outdoor and stadium equipment in the region.

Sportex Middle East offers an exclusive event focused on this burgeoning market segment, providing a perfect platform for the launch of new products to a targeted audience.

Exhibitors at the 2008 edition of Sportex will include camping and outdoor equipment, fitness equipment and accessories, indoor sports equipment, track and field sports equipment, shoes and apparels, nutrition, and sport stadium facilities.

Sportex 2008 is endorsed by Dubai Sports Council, presented by Dubai Sports City and supported by the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI), a world authoritative body for the sports industry and officially recognized by the IOC.

Sportex 2008 will take place from November 3-5 at Dubai World Trade Centre.