NABBA is the first and the original competitve bodybuilding association. Formed in 1950, NABBA's first Mr Universe contest was won by Steve Reeves, who went on to make over 30 Hercules movies. Top bodybuilders who won the Mr Universe title include Reg Park, Bill Pearl and Arnold Schwarzenegger (four-times winner).

The late Oscar Heidenstam was appointed Secretary in 1956 and continued to drive NABBA forward for more than 30 years. At a meeting in London in 1984, NABBA International was formed and became host to the European, World and Universe Championships. This branch of NABBA is now supported by more than fifty countries.

Today, there are ten elected area reps covering England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and they are members of the NABBA council. Each area holds a qualifying event, which leads to the Annual Mr & Miss Britain Finals. This in turn becomes a qualifier for the European and Universe Championships. The Universe contest gets stronger every year - at the last Universe, representatives from 36 countries took part and a total of 151 athletes competed.

"Due to the sudden death of Ivan Dunbar, the NABBA representative for Northern Ireland and NABBA International Chairman, the position for NABBA Northern Ireland representative is available for anyone in Northern Ireland, male or female, to apply. All applications in writing to NABBA Headquarters.

The Northern Ireland Body Building Contest for 2010 will be organised by Lorraine Dunbar, Ivan’s daughter, as Ivan booked it in advance and we, the NABBA Council, think this will be a fitting memorial. Also 2010 is NABBA’s 60th anniversary and I know Ivan’s participation in it will be greatly missed.

I hope everyone in Northern Ireland will give support to Lorraine as they did to Ivan. For details of the show please refer to the NABBA Competitions page. "

Bryan Robinson
Chairman of NABBA UK, Vice Chairman of NABBA International

NABBA
HEALTH & FITNESS
MAGAZINE

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