2011 OPA Competition Schedule

[Delt King]

2011 OPA schedule of Events


Please take note of the newly added ** qualifying competitions for the Natural tier stream. Competitors may not cross over once qualified (they can however qualify in both streams), each person must qualify in the stream they compete within.

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April 16, 2011 Festival City Championships Stratford jamor.com (Provincial Qualifier)
** April 30th, 2011 Ottawa Classic (Natural Ontario qualifier)
** May 7th, 2011 Stephanie Worsfold Classic London Ontario (Natural Ontario qualifier)
May 21, 2011 Obrien/Luchka Mississauga Championships (Provincial Qualifier)
June 11, 2011 Sudbury Championships (Provincial Qualifier)
June 17-18, 2011 Toronto pro Super Show & Ontario Championships, Toronto, ON jamor.com (CBBF National qualifier)
** July 9, 2011 Henderson Thorn Classic (Natural Ontario qualifier)
September 10, 2011 Ontario Naturals McIntyre Theater, Mohawk College jamor.com (Natural Canada Qualifier)
** October 8th 2011 Fouad Abiad Classic (Natural Ontario Qualifier)
** October 29 2011 Oktoberfest Classic (Natural Ontario Qualifier)
November 5th, 2011 Ottawa Championships (Provincial Qualifier)
November 26, 2011 London Ontario Championships jamor.com (Provincial Qualifier)

National and international events
2011 Canadian Natural National Bodybuilding Championships
Date: April 23, 2011
Location: Laval, Quebec
Promoter: Joe Spinello
Show includes: Open bodybuilding, Masters' bodybuilding, Figure (Pro Card opportunity), Fitness (Pro card opportunity), Bikini (Pro card opportunity)

2011 Canadian National Fitness & Figure Championships
Date: July 23, 2011 (tentative)
Location: Saskatoon, SK
Promoter: SABBA
Show includes: National level fitness, National level figure, masters' figure (Pro card opportunities for all)- MORE DETAILS TO BE RELEASED

2011 Canadian National Bodybuilding Championships
Date: October 9, 2011
Location: Laval, Quebec
Promoter: Joe Spinello
Show includes: National level: Open bodybuilding, Classic Bodybuilding, Masters' Bodybuilding, Grand masters' bodybuilding, Junior Bodybuilding

[steve_d]

5 natural shows, 5 non-tested shows, and 2 provincial shows (1 natural, 1 non-tested).

Looks like they are trying to pull away the other federations competitors. Hopefully it works, otherwise there will be 5 natural shows that won't generate too much income. I know there are also arguments to having more natural shows bettering the quality for the provincial natural show. The only way that is true is as above, we need to bring back the good athletes from the other federations.

I do follow the other federations, and to be honest, there isn't a whole lot that we necessarily want to bring back. I don't think the quality of the OPA naturals is the problem...It's the quality of naturals in general. The guys/girls that we see at natural shows that are really good are few and far between (or not natural!). By the time a competitor makes a good natural, they've already contemplated, or switched over.

[O-Train]

The other organizations have too much to offer. This may help the OPA or it may be a real eye-opener. They need to get some better marketing and some prize money. Make it worthwhile to compete because as it stands now you have so many different fees, it's just a pain in the ass.

[Delt King]

It seems like it's different with the OPA compared to the other organizations.
It seems like it's up to the individual show promoter to up the bar per se. Whereas the others promote their shows with more standards...regarding prizes, exposure etc.
Whatever, i still love the OPA.

[O-Train]

It seems like it's different with the OPA compared to the other organizations.
It seems like it's up to the individual show promoter to up the bar per se. Whereas the others promote their shows with more standards...regarding prizes, exposure etc.
Whatever, i still love the OPA.

Any idea where some of the new shows will be held? I see the Ontario's will be at Mohawk in Hamilton which is a nice venue and not too far. May 7th is London, Ottawa is too far. I guess I'm just really interested in where the Henderson Thorne Classic will be held.

[Maria]

5 natural shows, 5 non-tested shows, and 2 provincial shows (1 natural, 1 non-tested).

Looks like they are trying to pull away the other federations competitors. Hopefully it works, otherwise there will be 5 natural shows that won't generate too much income. I know there are also arguments to having more natural shows bettering the quality for the provincial natural show. The only way that is true is as above, we need to bring back the good athletes from the other federations.

I do follow the other federations, and to be honest, there isn't a whole lot that we necessarily want to bring back. I don't think the quality of the OPA naturals is the problem...It's the quality of naturals in general. The guys/girls that we see at natural shows that are really good are few and far between (or not natural!). By the time a competitor makes a good natural, they've already contemplated, or switched over.


If they don't draw the numbers they may have to double up until the numbers grow back again. They did that once with the Natural Ontarios the same weekend as a qualifier back in 2007 up in Sudbury, I believe. (not sure though)


At least if they go to an "IFBB World Championships" it's actually athletes from around the world not just from the US and Canada with the odd person from a couple of other countries. LOL

[Delt King]

Any idea where some of the new shows will be held? I see the Ontario's will be at Mohawk in Hamilton which is a nice venue and not too far. May 7th is London, Ottawa is too far. I guess I'm just really interested in where the Henderson Thorne Classic will be held.

My guess is the Henderson Thorne Classic will be somewhere in TO and Fouad's show would be in Windsor. but i'm just guessing at this point but it makes sense as they live in those cities.

[steve_d]

If they don't draw the numbers they may have to double up until the numbers grow back again. They did that once with the Natural Ontarios the same weekend as a qualifier back in 2007 up in Sudbury, I believe. (not sure though)


At least if they go to an "IFBB World Championships" it's actually athletes from around the world not just from the US and Canada with the odd person from a couple of other countries. LOL

yes, it was sudbury. Thats what they should start with again though...But I guess the problem with that is most people would feel like they are "admitting" to not being natural if they didn't compete on that side of the show...

[Maria]

yes, it was sudbury. Thats what they should start with again though...But I guess the problem with that is most people would feel like they are "admitting" to not being natural if they didn't compete on that side of the show...

LOL Good point! But then again it depends on what their goals are, some to win a pro card and others to go to Worlds for the experience!

[K-Max]

Very interesting.... not sure what's with the sudden surge of natural show qualifiers. I didn't really see an increase of demand for natural shows, I could be wrong.


Looks like they are trying to pull away the other federations competitors.

If that's the case, they're going to have to offer up some prizes that's comparable to what's offered by the other feds.

It can also be an indicator of change on the horizon as well. Stay tuned.

[steve_d]

The OPA will not start offering prize moneys, etc, comparable to other federations...I could be wrong, but its not in line with what CBBF is about. Not that there is anything wrong with that. I like it the way it is.

If you compete for a couple hundred dollar prize money (technically only to be awarded to the top guy), your in the wrong sport. Sure, its nice as a bonus, but the good guys aren't switching federations because of the money. Part of the switch has to do with the less stringent drug testing procedures in other federations. Some offer polygraphs, some do nothing, etc. This is why the OPA doesn't see highly competitive naturals...because they actually ARE natural!

OPA and cbbf has banned multiple guys/girls in many shows. Oddly enough, you can't say the same for the other federations where you hear of the odd failure here and there - but nothing like the CBBF has seen in the past where 2-3 of the winners would have been caught in each show that they had decent testing procedures. Can't comment as of late as I am not sure if they've tested as many as they used to.

[O-Train]

The OPA will not start offering prize moneys, etc, comparable to other federations...I could be wrong, but its not in line with what CBBF is about. Not that there is anything wrong with that. I like it the way it is.

If you compete for a couple hundred dollar prize money (technically only to be awarded to the top guy), your in the wrong sport. Sure, its nice as a bonus, but the good guys aren't switching federations because of the money. Part of the switch has to do with the less stringent drug testing procedures in other federations. Some offer polygraphs, some do nothing, etc. This is why the OPA doesn't see highly competitive naturals...because they actually ARE natural!

OPA and cbbf has banned multiple guys/girls in many shows. Oddly enough, you can't say the same for the other federations where you hear of the odd failure here and there - but nothing like the CBBF has seen in the past where 2-3 of the winners would have been caught in each show that they had decent testing procedures. Can't comment as of late as I am not sure if they've tested as many as they used to.

That's not true for all other federations Steve. For example UFE (Ultimate Fitness Events) has comparable drug testing (if not better) and they post drug testing results on their website. The prizes arn't always just a couple hundred bucks either. There is better exposure for those looking for it too. A lot of enhanced bodybuilders aspire to be pros and make their passion a full time job. Why can't natural guys hope to make some money too. The reason I'm mentioning UFE is because I really enjoyed competing with that organization. They have early bird rates and a system where if you pre-buy a bunch of tickets you can minimize the cost of competing. I would say the shows are fairly competitive and the majority of the guys are natural or at least not really obviously not. Although as the popularity of an organization grows you see the douchebags come out of the woodwork to test clean and claim their prizes.

If other natural competitors are like me they will do a lot of research before they pick a show to compete in/organization to compete with. Just for fun I checked the 2009 OPA Ontario Natural Championships. There were 10 guys total in men's open bodybuilding spread over 6 classes. Now to compare I'll look at the UFE Halloween Mayhem show for 2009: 16 guys, 4 classes, overall winner recieved a lifting belt, prize package, Perfect Nutrition sponsorship and 800 cash.

I could look into cost of competing too but to compete with OPA you have to pay for a yearly membership which has to be renewed to keep your qualifications. So right there I can guarantee it's one of the more expensive options out there.

[steve_d]

That's not true for all other federations Steve. For example UFE (Ultimate Fitness Events) has comparable drug testing (if not better) and they post drug testing results on their website. The prizes arn't always just a couple hundred bucks either. There is better exposure for those looking for it too. A lot of enhanced bodybuilders aspire to be pros and make their passion a full time job. Why can't natural guys hope to make some money too. The reason I'm mentioning UFE is because I really enjoyed competing with that organization. They have early bird rates and a system where if you pre-buy a bunch of tickets you can minimize the cost of competing. I would say the shows are fairly competitive and the majority of the guys are natural or at least not really obviously not. Although as the popularity of an organization grows you see the douchebags come out of the woodwork to test clean and claim their prizes.If other natural competitors are like me they will do a lot of research before they pick a show to compete in/organization to compete with. Just for fun I checked the 2009 OPA Ontario Natural Championships. There were 10 guys total in men's open bodybuilding spread over 6 classes. Now to compare I'll look at the UFE Halloween Mayhem show for 2009: 16 guys, 4 classes, overall winner recieved a lifting belt, prize package, Perfect Nutrition sponsorship and 800 cash.

I could look into cost of competing too but to compete with OPA you have to pay for a yearly membership which has to be renewed to keep your qualifications. So right there I can guarantee it's one of the more expensive options out there.


You make my point right then and there...As prize money begins to be offered, and popularity grows, that is when you will have a problem with unclean athletes.

That's why OPA should just stick to their guns, and not try to glam things up. Keep it a natural venue and keep as strict drug testing as possible.

As far as costs of competing goes. The costs in competing has little to do with membership fees and costs of a competition. The majority is travel expenses, which also include things that have no monetary value. Ex, travel time...time is money afterall! I drove 6 hours + many pee breaks just to get to sudbury so I could qualify for provincials the week after. I would much rather have had a show in Ottawa that week...I would have paid 100s more in an entry fee to save the long drive!

My advice to those competing is stick to shows where you can begin locally. If you have the desire to go further, then travel and cost isn't really an issue. It's the sport you love, so 500$ in travel and membership is nothing. Particularly for the women who have 1000$ suits to think about. That being said, the more shows the OPA has, the more oppurtunity for people to use that advice to compete "locally"...The people starting out are much more likely to compete if they have a show in their hometown that can draw in ticket sales from family, etc. And perhaps there is a market for those naturals who didn't want to step on stage against people they had no chance competing against. We'll have to wait and see....Although to add futher to that, if they are natural, and didn't want to step on stage against someone who may not be clean, then its not like they are going to go far on the natural stage anyway. A really good natural can hold his/her own in a lighter class against a non-tested athlete.

[steve_d]

As for UFE. I haven't seen any of their shows. Although, I do know the only shows are in london, toronto area, and montreal, with a national event in toronto. I do remember seeing someone fail the test (I don't think they can legal publish names, so its basically the same way as CBBF shows it...with asterisks to identify a spot that someone failed in the results.) so you could be right - drug testing must be at least enough to fail those that they test (overall winner only?)...


Part of my own personal reasons against competing in this type of federation though, is the way they glam things up. As a bodybuilder, I don't want to "show my personality" by dressing up as spiderman. It's great, and possibly entertaining for some, but for me personally, I think it's not what bodybuilding is all about. Fitness model, yes, costumes can help showcase someone's personality and can be fun...but bodybuilding should be trunks only!

[O-Train]

I agree with competing locally. The only real reason to do otherwise is if doing so no longer provides you with a challenge and/or to achieve a personal goal. Although...if the OPA Natural competitions became more widely recognized and popular they would attract just as many cheaters as shows offering prize money. People will cheat just to win a trophy and nothing else. Especially if they think the competition means something ie provincial level, national level or one of the made up "National" titles that non CBBF organizations have. No prize money required.

[O-Train]

As for UFE. I haven't seen any of their shows. Although, I do know the only shows are in london, toronto area, and montreal, with a national event in toronto. I do remember seeing someone fail the test (I don't think they can legal publish names, so its basically the same way as CBBF shows it...with asterisks to identify a spot that someone failed in the results.) so you could be right - drug testing must be at least enough to fail those that they test (overall winner only?)...


Part of my own personal reasons against competing in this type of federation though, is the way they glam things up. As a bodybuilder, I don't want to "show my personality" by dressing up as spiderman. It's great, and possibly entertaining for some, but for me personally, I think it's not what bodybuilding is all about. Fitness model, yes, costumes can help showcase someone's personality and can be fun...but bodybuilding should be trunks only!

I agree, when I competed at their Halloween show a few years back I didn't wear a costume because I thought that part of it was gimmicky and stupid. Also the fitness models and bikini athletes get way more exposure and more prize money so watching these shows are a pain if you just want to see bodybuilding. I don't like that part of it either. For me it was 45 minutes down to Hamilton and I pre-bought 15 tickets so my entry fee was free. Kinda like bodybuilding on a budget so it worked for me but may not for others. I was still a student back then so I guess now with more disposable income I can broaden my horizons somewhat.

Will they have a natural qualifying show for you guys in Northern Ontario?

[steve_d]

I agree with competing locally. The only real reason to do otherwise is if doing so no longer provides you with a challenge and/or to achieve a personal goal. Although...if the OPA Natural competitions became more widely recognized and popular they would attract just as many cheaters as shows offering prize money. People will cheat just to win a trophy and nothing else. Especially if they think the competition means something ie provincial level, national level or one of the made up "National" titles that non CBBF organizations have. No prize money required.

agreed. I guess the only thing to do is keep drug testing as strict as possible and hope thats good enough. Sure you can still beat a test, but its a start. I suppose they could go as far as offering out of competition testing...but thats a whole other can of worms.

You just have to hope that no one is passing a test while still cheating. At least if they are passing a test consistently, there is no real proof otherwise. So better to have a federation testing the freaks, then just letting them be.

[O-Train]

agreed. I guess the only thing to do is keep drug testing as strict as possible and hope thats good enough. Sure you can still beat a test, but its a start. I suppose they could go as far as offering out of competition testing...but thats a whole other can of worms.

You just have to hope that no one is passing a test while still cheating. At least if they are passing a test consistently, there is no real proof otherwise. So better to have a federation testing the freaks, then just letting them be.

Very true and off-season testing would be way too expensive. Bodybuilding would have to get very very popular for that to become a reality. Plus if you had Olympic style testing for some organizations even though an intelligent person can assume professional bodybuilders use steroids it would be like an open admission of guilt.

[A.C.P.]

I hope the June 4th natural qualifier is in the North. It would be nice for at least one of the shows to be in that area. Not going to bet on it as Thorne is from Toronto so I am sure it is going to be a home town venue.

It is going to be interesting to see the type of competition at these shows. Who knows how many people will show up and the package they will bring???

[red rocket]

I really like the idea of more natural shows. I dont care one way or another how an athelte gets there, just that they do.

I think alot of the natural organizations are not upto par, they rely on glamour, gimiks and props to draw attention. Make it "glamorous". It takes away from the athelete, and thats what it is all about.

I find judging to be a joke too, I did a FAME show a couple years ago, getting my feet wet, and because I had competed 8 years previous, they put me up in open, instead of novice, fine by me. But then they awarded the winner of my class the winner of fitness model too. Sorry but I dont care what stage you are on, they arent the same.

I think the OPA is a better organization, then fame, idfa, wbbf.

.02

[BigGuns21]

It's real simple. The OPA is not going to offer cash prizes because they have the trump card over the other organizations and it's called the IFBB. And this will keep the serious and hardcore competitors showing up to the OPA events vs. the rest.

If IFBB was to affiliate itself with another organization soley or in conjuntion with OPA, I think the OPA would have to change a lot of things. Other than OPA, I've only attended a WBBF event at the Hull Casino this summer and the presentation blew any OPA show I've ever been to away. And the competitors I talked to said it was equivalent backstage, they had beverages and food available for the competitors among other things like prize bags, etc. etc. You can't even get a bottle of water for free at an OPA show.

99% of the OPA competitors will never come close to an IFBB pro card, but lets be honest, its the hope and the fact that the opportunity is there that keeps us moving up the ranks there. A lot more competitors could probably get a WBBF "pro card" but lets get real here, take a trip down to Gold's Gym in Venice Beach and start telling people your a WBBF pro body builder and watch them laugh at you...

[steve_d]

^ well said. and I don't think you need to go as far as venice beach to get a laugh. even though some of the wbbf pros are really good - its still a meaningless pro card in my mind. its kinda like a 'pretend' pro.

[A.C.P.]

physiqueassociation.ca/node/101

Here is the new competition schedule for 2011. There were a couple changes from the original so I thought you guys might like to know that.

[MuSuLPhReAk]

Nice poster. I will sticky the thread too. Cleaned up the first post to reflect the correct dates now.

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[fitnessbyzara]

^ well said. and I don't think you need to go as far as venice beach to get a laugh. even though some of the wbbf pros are really good - its still a meaningless pro card in my mind. its kinda like a 'pretend' pro.


Q. Why is the Olympia so popular, and THE ultimate height of a physique athlete's competitive career?

A. Because it's the oldest and most prestigious Federation in the World! Everyone knows that, and yet the other federations out there continue to hand out "Pro" cards for their federations, like it means something. lol!

fact. The only way to get to the height of your sport as a physique athlete (BB, Fit., Fig. Bik.) is through an Ifbb affiliate. And the only affiliate to the Ifbb in Canada is the Cbbf.

That being said, I wish all of the other federations will understand why its silly to keep giving out Pro Status like Halloween candy and maybe then the real athletes, not glamazons, will turn out for more OPA/CBBF stream shows.

[loriann]

Any idea where some of the new shows will be held? I see the Ontario's will be at Mohawk in Hamilton which is a nice venue and not too far. May 7th is London, Ottawa is too far. I guess I'm just really interested in where the Henderson Thorne Classic will be held.


The Henderson Thorne Classic will be held in Brantford at the Sanderson Centre.

[O-Train]

The Henderson Thorne Classic will be held in Brantford at the Sanderson Centre.

Thanks Lori Ann.

[A.C.P.]

Does anyone know if there is going to be classic bodybuilding at the provincial and national level qualifiers for the OPA. I was looking at the sudbury show June 11th and the super pro show in Toronto. I know they have Classic at the CBBF Nationals but they rarely have this class at the regional and provincial level.

I would much rather compete with several people then compete in the natural stream and possibly be guarenteed a spot for nationals. Have been thinking about that and also what Steve Zara said in their above posts.

[red rocket]

From what I was told yes they will have classic bb at the provincial and national level. All regional comps have the class. However if you are planning to do the toronto super show you will need to qualify at either stratford in april or mississauga in may. There is a different provoncial show for natty.

Last season was the first for classic so there wont be a shitload of competitiors in the lineups.

[steve_d]

From what I was told yes they will have classic bb at the provincial and national level. All regional comps have the class. However if you are planning to do the toronto super show you will need to qualify at either stratford in april or mississauga in may. There is a different provoncial show for natty.

Last season was the first for classic so there wont be a shitload of competitiors in the lineups.

he can qualify in sudbury june 11 as he mentioned...its actually ideal - 1 week before provincials.

[red rocket]

Shoot I got confused, didnt sudbury used to have 2 shows.

[A.C.P.]

That is a really good idea Steve. 1 week in between shows would make it a lot easier then trying to keep conditioning for 2 weeks or more. I sure hope the super show brings alot of people to the stage in all divisions.

[A.C.P.]

physiqueassociation.ca/opaschedules
Changes made again it seems.

[M-Rods]

The london prov qualifier is later this year

[A.C.P.]

Does anyone know where the Stephanie Worsfold Classic May 7th is going to be held in London this year? Only 15 weeks out so I am getting a bit excited and curious.

[MuSuLPhReAk]

Does anyone know where the Stephanie Worsfold Classic May 7th is going to be held in London this year? Only 15 weeks out so I am getting a bit excited and curious.

Supposed to be here
londoncitymusictheatre.com/contact_us/contact_us.html

[69challenger]

There has been a date change for one of our sanctioned events. The Mississauga Classic is now being held on Saturday May 28th. This event is a provincial qualifier for the Ontario's being held in conjunction with the historic Toronto Pro Supershow.