Bodybuilding Vying for Spot on 2019 Pan Am Program -- ATRadio

(ATR)The president of the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness tells Around the Rings thousands of bodybuilders are hoping to compete at the 2019 Pan American Games.

In this edition of ATRadio, Rafael Santonja says the governing body is celebrating a huge year for bodybuilding.

On Nov. 1, the Pan American Sports Organization approved the decision to recognize the IFBB during an Executive Council meeting in Washington D.C.

"It's really fantastic," Santonja says.

Now, Santonja tells ATR, the IFBB hopes its sport will be featured at the 2019 Pan Am Games.

"We have 23 NOCs supporting the IFBB," he adds. "And we are in contact with more NOCs to increase this number."

Lima, Peru is hosting the 2019 Pan Ams, July 26-Aug. 11. A total of 37 sports are currently set to appear, consisting of all 28 currently on the Olympic program. Bodybuilding, polo, sport climbing, and wushu have all expressed interest in joining the program in 2019.

Santonja tells ATR he also looks forward to bodybuilding's participation in the 2016 Asian Beach Games, taking place in Da Nang, Vietnam Sept. 4-Oct. 3.

"We are preparing a calendar that includes over 2,000 competitions worldwide for 2016."

The IFBB is also applying to participate in the next edition of the Central American and Caribbean Games.

Written and produced byNicole Bennett

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