St. George’s, October 4, 2009: A group of athletes visiting Grenada for a regional bodybuilding competition has been invited to return to enjoy programmes in sports, culture and tourism being developed by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government.

The invitation was extended Saturday by Tourism Minister Hon. Glynis Roberts as she addressed athletes and officials attending the 37th Central American & Caribbean Bodybuilding & Fitness Championships.  Participants include bodybuilders from several English-speaking countries, as well as from El Salvador, Puerto Rico, Venezuela and the Netherlands Antilles.

“We expect many of you who are visiting will return to enjoy our Sports-Tourism and Cultural programmes, which the current government has been hard at work developing and enhancing,’’ said Mrs. Roberts.

The minister was speaking at the Grenada Trade Centre where other local officials included Governor-General Sir Carlyle Glean, and Sports Minister, Hon. Patrick Simmons.

She said government is highly concerned about the wellness of the Grenadian people and regards sports as a “major vehicle to living healthier, happier and more productive lives.’’

The Tourism Minister called for greater participation of nationals in all sports, including bodybuilding.

“I encourage local administrators and officials to organise regular mini bodybuilding events, which could culminate in larger regional championships,’’ Minister Roberts said.  “This will not only be good for the sport and for our athletes but also for tourism.  The tourism impact will be tremendous.’’