The Guyana Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (GBBFF) has set its sights on doubling its professional ranks after welcoming the government’s $6B budget allocation for sport in 2026.
The federation, which currently boasts seven professional athletes on the international circuit, believes the “significant investment” will provide the world-class equipment and facilities needed to dominate the global stage.
“With this level of support, we aim to double, or even triple, the number of professional athletes,” the GBBFF said in a statement. “This budget is opening doors for the next generation of world champions.”
The budget, unveiled by Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh, includes a landmark project for the fitness community: the construction of Guyana’s first-ever dedicated powerlifting and high-performance conditioning facility.
The federation praised the leadership of subject Ministers Charles Ramson Jr and Steven Jacobs, noting that the combination of new infrastructure and a $1.2B youth development fund would “propel” young talent into the successful athletes of tomorrow.
Dr Singh told the National Assembly that the government views sports as “big business” and is committed to creating an environment where talent can be monetised.
The GBBFF’s endorsement comes as Guyana continues to pivot toward sports tourism.
For the bodybuilding community, the focus remains on the “manpower” and “mentorship” aspects of the budget.
By employing professional coaching personnel and encouraging international athletes to return as mentors, the federation believes Guyana is finally building a sustainable “sporting ecosystem” that matches its economic growth.
