What are peoples thoughts on OPA / CBBF Ontario...

[SuperQT]

I am suprised not to see a thread here about it. For those not in the know this here is the recent updates.


Dear Friends,

We are writing to inform you of some exciting changes related to the Ontario Physique Association. It is recognized by many in the bodybuilding and fitness community that it is time for a new direction in Ontario. We believe that some important changes must be made so that the organization in Ontario can properly service the athletes it represents. This change can be most effectively managed by a fresh management perspective, free of the historic relationships, positions and other factors that have limited growth of the organization.

Guiding Principles of the New Organization

The new direction is based on the following priorities:

1. The organization’s first priority shall be the athletes and the sponsors who support them.

2. A strong relationship with the CBBF and IFBB is an essential prerequisite for growth of the organization in Ontario.

3. A strong communication system with the athletes is required to ensure that their questions and concerns are answered in a timely manner. The establishment of a dedicated phone line and message centre to address athlete inquiries and the development of a website that is effective and up to date are the cornerstone of this system.

4. Culture of inclusion: our goal is to pursue beneficial coalitions with existing rival organizations to enhance opportunities for all athletes while at the same time strengthening the CBBF in Ontario.

Governance Structure

During the initial transition and development period, the Ontario organization (formerly the OPA) will operate under the direct supervision of the CBBF. This will ensure consistency with the goals and objectives of the parent organization. To recognize this relationship, the organization will be called, the “CBBF – Ontario division”. Guidance related to financial affairs, media policy, judging, etc., will be provided by the CBBF Executive team.

A transitional management team has been appointed by the CBBF based on experience, strong support within Ontario, and a capacity for competent leadership.

During the initial 2 year development phase (2009-2011), the management team will be:

President - Melanie Horton
Vice President - Laura Binetti
Chief Judging Official - Julia Schatz
Media rep - Glen Grant



We want to reassure you that your OPA membership and any qualifications gained competing in OPA shows will be automatically recognized by the new organization. Our goal is to make this a seamless transition. We understand that you may have questions, concerns, ideas and input and we welcome your contributions.

Look for updates by email and on our new website cbbf-on.com coming soon for news and information.

Julia Schatz

NEW CBBF ONTARIO DIVISION CLEARS UP QUESTIONS
News
Tuesday, 23 June 2009 00:00
Since the demise of the Ontario Physique Association was announced a couple of days ago, there has been a lot of speculation how this could impact many of the registered athletes and upcoming shows. Face book has been abuzz as competitors respond to the newly formed organization ,called the CBBF Ontario Division (COD , that will be replacing the OPA. Previous Vice President of OPA and IFBB Pro Melanie Horton, who stepped down earlier this year, presides as the new President of COD with fellow IFBB Pro and promoter Laura Binetti as Vice-President. Both women have been active in working with athletes and promoting shows for many years and have the experience to create a new organization that best represents the interests of the athletes and supporters of fitness and bodybuilding.

As there are some questions amongst the athletes who made up the previous membership of the OPA, Melanie Horton responds to some of the major concerns on people’s minds.

Q: Why was the CBBF Ontario Division created?A: While the current OPA Executive has managed the organization for a number of years, it is respectfully submitted that the current direction of the OPA does not fully embrace or act on the opportunities available to promote bodybuilding and fitness in Ontario. It is recognized that new direction and change can be most effectively managed by a fresh management perspective, free of the historic relationships, positions and other factors that may limit the future success of the organization and its athletes.

Q: I am getting ready to compete in one of the OPA shows that was scheduled for 2009. Will these events still be held?A: We are working with Jamor Promotions to ensure that their planned events will continue as scheduled. There may be changes to some of the other contests and we will notify competitors as soon as the remaining 2009 schedule can be confirmed.

Q: I qualified for a National event at a recent OPA show. Can I still compete at the National level?A: Yes. The CBBF has guaranteed that Ontario athletes, who qualified at a Provincial OPA event, will be eligible for the National competitions in 2009.

Q: Will the CBBF Ontario Division cover entry fees for athletes who are going to Nationals?A: We are working to provide as much support as possible to the 2009 National teams from Ontario. At this time, the former OPA has not transferred any of the funds collected for memberships or sanctions fees so our budget is limited; however, we are working with some options which would provide eligible athletes with a bursary for the Nationals.

Q: Do I have to rejoin the new organization?A: No. A CBBF Ontario Division membership will automatically be issued to current members of the OPA. Since we do not have the official membership list from the OPA we may miss some athletes. Please contact us if you are a member but have not received any confirmation in the mail. Also, a lifetime membership will be provided to all professional athletes at no charge. In addition, new membership categories will be offered at a reduced rate for supports and for athletes who want to maintain their membership but are taking a year off from competing. To contact the CBBF Ontario Division directly, email Melanie Horton at cbbfontario@rogers.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

[Tiamat]

Thanks for the news.

[natenator]

seems a bit shady to me but who really knows

[St]

Ya i got the e-mail a couple of days ago about the news.

[69challenger]

......

[melodyspetko]

I have been in direct contact with Julia schatz and Laura Binetti.. This is all on the up and up!!.. There is now a message posted on the CBBF.CA website stating the the Cbbf ontario is now the governing body for ontario...

I for one am very excited for the change... There is a lot in the plans.. and its all to help the athletes further and get the recognition we deserve!!..

I feel bad for Ron Hache.. As he was a friend of mine. But change did have to happen..

This is all for the better... it will just take some time.. so be patient!..

:yeah

[SuperQT]

I do think change was and is needed. However in the middle of a season like this is not the greatest of timing. It seems like people promoting the shows are not completly on board either this is from Jamor website.

Hi Everyone!

Congratulations to all competitors in the Ontario Championships.
Thanks to everyone for your participation.

As many of you on facebook and from other sources know that as of Midnight EST Saturday 20 June, 2009 the CBBF (Canadian Bodybuilding Federation) as the CBBF ceased to recognize the OPA as the CBBF affiliated bodybuilding, fitness and figure organization in Ontario.
They now recognize the CBBF Ontario Division headed by Melanie Horton President, Laura Binetti and Julia Schatz.
This was done in a coupe type take-over orchestrated and approved by Mark Smishek President of the CBBF.

Jamor Enterprises has had a long standing trusting high integrity relationship with Ron Hache were we could do business with a handshake. There was always mutual trust and the good of the OPA in mind. We both go way back and have passion of the sport. In short we CARE.





MESSAGE FROM RON HACHE OPA PRESIDENT

Dear Members:

In response to recent Canadian Body Building Federation (CBBF) actions
regarding the Ontario Physique Association (OPA), I would like to assure our
members, athletes and officials that we are committed to the sport of
Bodybuilding, Figure and Fitness.

We believe the CBBF has been mislead by two previous Board Members and a
past Executive Member. It is our opinion that the recent actions of these
descending individuals are for their own personal agendas, and in so doing
have created confusion for our members which has negatively affected new
initiatives OPA planned to put in place in the near future. The CBBF have
been led to believe that the OPA has been irresponsible and not grown the
sport of Bodybuilding, Figure and Fitness.

These statements are untrue,unfounded and not supported by facts -- we are
alive and well and continue to operate as The Ontario Physique Association
(incorporation of not for profit Corporation)which is a legal entity in it's
own right. We have the full support of our team and are continuing to
provide leadership and quality contests for our members.

Our membership this year (to-date) is larger than it has ever been. This
year the OPA hosted the best ever Provincial Championship, with the largest
athlete entry and audience attendance. All our Regional Shows have had a
record number of athletes and have been extremely well attended. Through
our actions we have been able to attract major magazines to feature our
athletes and promote our contests. The sport and the OPA is thriving this
year.

Our purpose in this time upheaval is to bring stability back in Ontario and
have the OPA reinstated. We are supporting our Body Building, Figure and
Fitness athletes competing at the National Championships being held in
August. We plan to continue to provide subsidies that our National and
International atheletes have enjoyed in the past.

The current OPA Executive and Board of Directors are volunteers and are very
passionate about our sport. We are dedicated, have a solid track record and
our life-long commitment has resulted in the successful and strong
organization we have today. We appreciate the support our membership, our
promoters, our sponsors and our team members have given us over the years
and look forward to your continued support.

Should you have any questions regarding this matter, I or any OPA Director
would be pleased to speak with you.

We will continue to update our members on the status of this matter.

Our contact information is provided on the attached link.

bao.on.ca


Sincerely


Ron Hache

President

Ontario Physique Association


National and IFBB Professional Judge







A NOTICE FROM BRIAN ROBITAILLE OF KONA PRODUCTIONS, CANADIAN CHAMPION AND
PROMOTER OF THE ANNUAL "OPA OTTAWA & EASTERN ONTARIO CHAMPIONSHIPS"

Troubling news about the unprecedented coup d'etat at the OPA. Not only
outrageous, but plainly a political purge as anyone can plainly see. It
smacks of the classic Fascist dictatorships in many third-rate banana
republics: tromp all over personal (and professional) rights, break the laws
of the land and invent news ad hoc, and then trot out the propaganda machine
to demonize the incumbents (who's, history eventually determines, only fault
was to criticize the national party).

The OPA in the Eastern Region has been a professional and very dedicated
group and worked very well with me as a promoter. The quality of our shows
speak for themselves. And the athletes always appreciate the efforts of our
many volunteers.

I'll get straight to my point. I do not recognize this so-called
CBBF-Ontario Division. As the OPA-sanctioned promoter for the 2009 Ottawa
and Eastern Ontario Physique Championships (over 90 athletes in attendance
last year), I will not host a show for these interlopers. To do so would
undo many years of volunteerism and hard work. I will not sell out my
integrity so cheaply.

This is a sad day for bodybuilding in Ontario.

Sincerely,
Brian Robitaille
KONA Productions



MESSAGE FROM JAMOR REGARDING NEW CBBF ONTARIO DIVISION

We do NOT (contrary to facebook info) recognize CBBF Ontario Division nor will we promote competitions under your banner.
Our reasons for not supporting are as follows:

1. The manner in which this takeover was executed belies the character of the individuals involved. I do not trust them.
With Jamor trust, integrity and honesty are #1.

2. There is a blatant conflict of interest with Melanie and Laura being promoters and heading the executive of the organization.

3. There is a conflict of interest with Laura training clients who enter these events.

4. The leadership is all women. Nothing against women, but this will definitely have a biased perspective on things. You need balance.

There are no promotors from OPA other than Laura an Melanie themselves who will continue to promote for them.

Our enthusiasm and passion for our bodybuilding and physique competition along with our commitment to doing business with integrity, honesty and truth will prevent us from associating with the new CBBF Ontario Division. We have put Jamor on the line in this cause.
We would appreciate your support of our upcoming events if you share the same passion for the sport and high standards of integrity.
We look forward to a long coninuing relationship with all of you and that most of you will join us.
We will survive with or without affiliation with CBBF.
Your continued support of the OPA, Ron Hache and our events will be greatly appreciated my friends.

So it is business as usual at Jamor.
Let's hope something really good comes out of this.
Quite often a crisis brings about something new stronger and better.


Our competitions will continue under the OPA with Ron Hache as President.

Quote:

"The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in the mind at the same time, and still retain the ability to function. One should, for example, be able to see that things are hopeless and yet be determined to make them otherwise."
F.Scott Fitzgerald

God's will be done!

Jim Morris
Jamor Enterprises
jamor.com



For people wanting to compete later this year, do we still continue our preps as planned and hope that the shows will go on?

[melodyspetko]

I do think change was and is needed. However in the middle of a season like this is not the greatest of timing. It seems like people promoting the shows are not completly on board either this is from Jamor website.


For people wanting to compete later this year, do we still continue our preps as planned and hope that the shows will go on?


I would continue your prep!!.. I can see the confusion in this.. I myself an a bit concerned because im competing in the Nationals... i have yet to pay dues.. But from what i understand the CBBF canada is in full support of the CBBF ONTARIO division... Go to the CBBF website as they have posted a bulletin there about the change...

I will forward this to Julia Schatz and ask her.. i will keep you posted

[melodyspetko]

The way i am understanding the letter from Ron Hache and Jamor they will continue as planned... however.. what needs to be figured out is will their shows further you to the National level?.. Since the OPA is no longer the governing body for ontario and the CBBF Ontario division is, i would think the only way you can advance now is to compete at a show that is done by the CBBF ontario...

I need to follow up on this.. but this is the way im reading this.. I have sent an email to Julia

[SuperQT]

I would continue your prep!!.. I can see the confusion in this.. I myself an a bit concerned because im competing in the Nationals... i have yet to pay dues.. But from what i understand the CBBF canada is in full support of the CBBF ONTARIO division... Go to the CBBF website as they have posted a bulletin there about the change...

I will forward this to Julia Schatz and ask her.. i will keep you posted

Thank you very much I am wondering myself too cause I have yet to pay my dues for the year as well.


The way i am understanding the letter from Ron Hache and Jamor they will continue as planned... however.. what needs to be figured out is will their shows further you to the National level?.. Since the OPA is no longer the governing body for ontario and the CBBF Ontario division is, i would think the only way you can advance now is to compete at a show that is done by the CBBF ontario...

I need to follow up on this.. but this is the way im reading this.. I have sent an email to Julia
Yes I am wondering the same I need to do my level 2 again this year to requalify for Ontario's. I am only interested in competing in an association that leads to nationals and the IFBB so whatever that is this is where I will be.

[melodyspetko]

Thank you very much I am wondering myself too cause I have yet to pay my dues for the year as well.


Yes I am wondering the same I need to do my level 2 again this year to requalify for Ontario's. I am only interested in competing in an association that leads to nationals and the IFBB so whatever that is this is where I will be.

I think they will honor the shows for this year.. so if you are doing your level 2 again then i believe it will count towards next years ontarios... I was told they will honor all athletes that have competed in the OPA... It would only be fair to allow this to contiune through til the end of the season!!.. Let me double check on this.. But i dont see why they wont honor it.. It wouldnt be fair to the athletes that have been preping!!..

What show are you doing?..

[SuperQT]

I think they will honor the shows for this year.. so if you are doing your level 2 again then i believe it will count towards next years ontarios... I was told they will honor all athletes that have competed in the OPA... It would only be fair to allow this to contiune through til the end of the season!!.. Let me double check on this.. But i dont see why they wont honor it.. It wouldnt be fair to the athletes that have been preping!!..

What show are you doing?..

November 21 Western Ontario's

[melodyspetko]

This letter has been posted on the CBBF.ca website.... Please read!!..
Also anyone competing in the OPA shows this year, will NOT count towards moving on to another level... Only shows that are sanctioned by the CBBF ontario division... I have been informed there are enough shows for next year that will allow you to requalify for the next level... However, if you do wish to still do the show you have been trained for by all means do so!!.. It will not be held against you!!.. All this info should be posted on the new website in a few days... I will let you know when it is up!!..

Letter from Mark.....

"June 2009

President’s Message – June 2009

For the past week rumors have been flowing and certain individuals have been attacking the recent decision of the Canadian Bodybuilding Federation (CBBF) to no longer recognize the Ontario Physique Association (OPA) as the CBBF affiliate in Ontario.

We do not normally respond to rumors, as all this does is open doors for more and more negativity as well as provide a forum for those who have no recourse but to attack. However, in this case we feel that we must set the record straight.

After numerous unsuccessful attempts over the last several years to work with the OPA, the CBBF Executive Committee has concluded that the policies and direction of the OPA were ineffective and unable to adequately respond to the market realities in the province of Ontario.

In addition, it was felt that

* The path that the OPA was pursuing was not in-step with the strategic direction of the CBBF; a direction that is fully supported by the other CBBF affiliated provincial bodybuilding, fitness and figure organizations in Canada.
* The current OPA Executive has been generally uncooperative with the CBBF and at times worked counter to the well-being of Ontario athletes, the CBBF and the other CBBF affiliated provincial bodybuilding, fitness and figure organizations.
* The OPA has historically not pursued or benefited from a strong working relationship with the CBBF. This has limited the opportunity to work cooperatively with the CBBF to strengthen the organization at the local and the national levels.


In order to draw the bodybuilding and fitness community together, and create a stronger organization, the CBBF has put in place a new management team to build a CBBF affiliated bodybuilding and fitness organization in Ontario. The new management team is as follows:

President - Melanie Horton
Vice President - Laura Binetti
Chief Judging Official - Julia Schatz
Media rep - Glen Grant


The new CBBF Ontario Division is in the process of implementing measures that will enhance opportunities and strengthen the CBBF in Ontario. They will be re-structuring the sport in Ontario, for the betterment of the athletes; ultimately this is what any governing body is here for, the athletes. Over the next several months the focus of CBBF Ontario Division will include,

* 1. Improved communications with the athletes to ensure that questions and concerns are answered in a timely manner.
* 2. A closer partnership with the CBBF to ensure consistency in strategic priority setting, direction, rules and regulations, judging, media policy, etc.
* 3. A schedule of bodybuilding, fitness and figure events for 2010 – 2011.


Rest assured that the CBBF Ontario Division will be providing a path for Ontario athletes to compete for an IFBB Professional League Card (the IFBB Professional League is led by its president Jim Manion) and a position on Team Canada to compete at IFBB international events. The IFBB is led by its president, Dr. Rafael Santonja.

Please refer to GARRY BARTLETT'S CHRONICLES for a detailed report on how this all came about. It will be posted later this week.

If you wish to demonstrate your support for the CBBF Ontario Division, please view Steven Kucsma’s website - northernphysique.com. Steven has been a long time photographer and videographer of OPA and CBBF events.

A statement from the CBBF Ontario Division will be available shortly on their website, which you can access on our Members page at cbbf.ca. The new management team will provide a fresh start for Ontario athletes.

The CBBF Executive and the presidents of all our affiliated provincial organizations across Canada have endorsed and have total confidence in the new management team in Ontario.

Yours truly,
Mark Smishek
President, CBBF

[Sean Summers]

This is exactly what I've been told. An athlete may still compete in the fall OPA events. There will be no ill feelings towards that individual. However, the OPA is not a path that will lead to the CBBF Nationals and eventually to an IFBB Pro Card. If you are qualified for the the CBBF Nationals already (that includes qualifying at the 2009 OPA Provincials) then you are good to go for this year's Nationals. If you wish to qualify for next year's Nationals then you will have to qualify thru the CBBF-Ontario Division's events. They are dropping one of the tiers. Next year there will only be a Level 1 show and then a National Qualifier (Provincials) to the tier system much like the other provinces and NPC are already doing.
SS

[hommes]

blah blah blah blah blah

[SuperQT]

They are dropping one of the tiers. Next year there will only be a Level 1 show and then a National Qualifier (Provincials) to the tier system much like the other provinces and NPC are already doing.
SS

Awesome I love this idea thanks everyone for the info!

[melodyspetko]

This is exactly what I've been told. An athlete may still compete in the fall OPA events. There will be no ill feelings towards that individual. However, the OPA is not a path that will lead to the CBBF Nationals and eventually to an IFBB Pro Card. If you are qualified for the the CBBF Nationals already (that includes qualifying at the 2009 OPA Provincials) then you are good to go for this year's Nationals. If you wish to qualify for next year's Nationals then you will have to qualify thru the CBBF-Ontario Division's events. They are dropping one of the tiers. Next year there will only be a Level 1 show and then a National Qualifier (Provincials) to the tier system much like the other provinces and NPC are already doing.
SS


you are correct... This will be good for the athletes all around.. having only 2 levels to complete before qualifying for the nationals...

[SuperQT]

Redirect from Gary Bartlett regarding OPA's comments

SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT

Isn’t the Internet a wonderful thing? It offers a variety of forums for those who love gossip, news, drama and a place to express their often-biased opinions. Unfortunately, it can also be a successful avenue for those who want to discredit or slander individuals they perceive have done an injustice to them.

If you are an Ontario Bodybuilder then you obviously are aware of the heated conflict between the OPA and the newly formed CBBF Ontario Division. Without question, a shit storm of accusations, threats, and disinformation is currently circulating throughout the net as a result.

Of course there are two sides to every story and, as the CBBF Media guy, I think it is time that I shed some light from both sides.

Following the OPA Provincial Championships held June 20th, Ron Hache, President of the OPA, was officially informed that the OPA was no longer recognized or sanctioned as the CBBF affiliated governing body in Ontario, and that a new organization had been formed under the leadership of Melanie Horton, Laura Binetti, Julia Schatz and photographer Glen Grant. All are highly respected and recognized individuals in the Ontario Bodybuilding and Fitness scene.

Ironically, during the Provincial Championships, Melanie was officially recognized by the OPA with a Lifetime Achievement Award for her many years of dedicated service to the OPA. In hindsight, the announcement by the CBBF just one day after that recognition was less than ideal timing. However, Melanie had no idea that she was receiving the award, and the CBBF decision to cease affiliation with the OPA was not a sudden one. The action and announcement was coming sooner or later, although knowing then what they know now, CBBF representatives may have chosen a more appropriate time to make it official.


Garry with Melanie & Laura with Figure competitors at the 2009 Mississauga & South Central Championships (Glen Grant Photo)

As a provincial President, I sympathize with Mr. Ron Hache, as I would also be very upset had the same thing happened to me. However, if you read all the postings regarding this matter, both Melanie and Laura have been depicted as two self-serving, backstabbing witches who should be exiled to Oz! The manner in which OPA officials and associates have sought to discredit Melanie and Laura is distasteful and unjust. The vicious campaign that has been developed and perpetuated is based on unfair and unsubstantiated accusations.

But there is much more to this story than the rantings of disgruntled OPA supporters. First of all, I want to state for the record that I have known Ron Hache, Melanie Horton, and Laura Binetti for many years. All have proven their passion and commitment to the sport of bodybuilding, not only in Ontario but also throughout the rest of Canada. However, there comes a time when an organization simply outgrows its leadership.

In seeking information for this piece, I contacted the CBBF for their official stand on the matter and background as to how this entire thing came about. It is no secret that OPA and CBBF executives have been at odds with each other for some time. I personally have witnessed arguments between the two at several CBBF Congress Meetings. Of course, differing ideas are welcome and each province knows what works best for them. In fact, the CBBF allows great freedom to each provincial President to run their province without interference. But when issues arise that influence the welfare of these provincial associations, then it is the mandate of the CBBF to review the situation. One of the biggest concerns for the CBBF has been the rapid growth of rival organizations, which now are promoting shows in the majority of provinces across Canada.

President Mark Smishek has stated on numerous occasions his concern that all these rival organizations appear to have got their start in the province of Ontario. He has also had various discussions regarding this growing problem with IFBB President Rafael Santonja and NPC President Jim Manion. In fact, Mr. Smishek makes it no secret that he holds the OPA leadership responsible for this growth. A major concern was that Ontario’s official Media rep and former Regional Director was working with and supporting one of these organizations, while holding a position with the OPA. It was not that long ago that the only other organization in Ontario was Fame. Now there is the WBFF, UFE, IDFA, and WNSO. Having gained a foothold in Ontario, they are now spreading to other provinces, which are causing great concern for the CBBF provincial Associations. Keep in mind that Ontario is a huge province with a lot of athletes, but the smaller provinces are really hurt by these rival organizations, as there are only so many athletes to go around. It is not my intention in this article to debate the viability of these other organizations and their legitimacy. My concern is the healthy growth of the CBBF, its athletes, supporters, promoters and future. In these tough economic times one has to fight to stay ahead and the options open are limited. There are only so many sponsors, potential ticket buyers, and competing athletes and all these federations including the CBBF are fighting for their share of the pie. To sum it up, there are just too many and someone has to suffer, including the athletes who are left confused.

I have always maintained that to have a strong and successful association, you must promote a high level provincial competition. If your athletes are happy with your competitions, then there is a good chance they won’t look elsewhere. I have attended several provincial competitions in Ontario and, to be fair, the promoters of these events work hard and are dedicated individuals who have the competitor’s best interests at heart. Unfortunately, times have changed and the formula that worked five years ago just doesn’t work today. I distinctly remember getting a ride to the airport several years ago from Ron Hache following one of the OPA Provincial Championships, during which we discussed the growing problem of developing rival organizations. He listened as I expressed the opinion that the OPA had to raise the bar to a higher level when promoting their Provincial Championships. Ontario has a tremendous number of events, one almost every weekend. If there is little difference between smaller competitions and the Provincial Championships, then athletes, fans, and sponsors become bored as they feel like they have seen it all before. As a result they begin to look for alternative competitions, which promise new and interesting incentives, including a first-rate theater and cash prizes. I truly believe that had the Ontario Provincial Championships been located at a high profile theater in the Toronto area, it would have been very hard for the WBBF to get a foothold in that province.

The reality is that Paul Dillet’s WBBF promotes their showcase event at the luxurious Living Arts Center in Mississauga, and is now expanding throughout Canada. That is exactly what I felt should have been done with the Ontario provincials - a central location in the Toronto area, at a prestigious venue. Of course it is costly, but in the end everyone would benefit, particularly the athletes. Also the OPA has far too many events, which compounds things when you add all the other rival organizations competitions to the total. An athlete who wants to compete nationally has to go through several competitions before qualifying. My opinion, if an athlete is good enough then they should have to only compete and qualify through one competition that year. However, I do believe that novice shows are good, as they help those who are competing for the first time.

In discussing this piece with Melanie Horton, she informed me that she also expressed similar concerns with Mr. Hache, who listened but failed to act. So, after many years as a dedicated OPA executive, which included being Vice President, National Level Judge, IFBB Pro and successful promoter, she stepped down from her position in the OPA in February to spend more time with her family. In spite of their differences, the CBBF continued to work with the OPA but in March of 2009, frustrated with the inaction of the OPA in combating these rival organizations, the CBBF presented an ultimatum to Mr. Hache to get on board with the CBBF in solving this problem. At that time, CBBF Secretary Treasurer John MacLellan was assigned the task of coordinating these initiatives. At stake was the OPA’s status with the CBBF, and Mr. Hache was told that they were in jeopardy of being dropped as the CBBF’s recognized governing body for bodybuilding, fitness, and figure in the province of Ontario. In fact, Mr. Hache would be provided with a series of reasonable demands that the CBBF felt were necessary in order for things to improve in Ontario. Unfortunately, after a number of communications between Mr. MacLellan and Mr. Hache, which took place over the course of several months, one major fundamental requirement was not carried out in advancing the process. The result was that the CBBF, feeling the relationship with the OPA was becoming completely unworkable, began to review their options to find alternative leadership for Ontario elsewhere.

Melanie Horton, having a long and active history with the OPA, had contacted the CBBF with legitimate concerns as to the current direction the OPA was heading. She had discussed the possibility of once again getting involved in the Ontario Bodybuilding and Fitness scene, but wanted the support from her family before going further. With her family completely behind her, Melanie went ahead and submitted her recommendations as to what she felt was needed in Ontario, and how the changes and improvements could be made. It was thought that if the CBBF liked what she proposed, then she would be provided the mandate to form an alternate team, with full support from the CBBF executive and Provincial Presidents. Her response was a document listing a set of recommendations including an interim team she felt could move Ontario in a positive direction. She then submitted her proposal to the CBBF, which was accepted. Contrary to what the OPA might have you believe, the decision to recognize CBBF Ontario Division was not made overnight, and not without much thought and consultation with the provincial Presidents. The CBBF realized that by accepting this challenge, CBBF Ontario was accepting a huge responsibility, one that Melanie (along with essential and invaluable assistance from Laura Binetti, Judge Julia Schatz and noted photographer Glen Grant) was confident about taking on.

These individuals believe that the athlete should come first, and their goal is to raise the bar for Ontario’s CBBF-affiliated shows beginning in 2010.

The CBBF welcomes any athlete that has qualified through the OPA provincials to compete at this year’s National events along with the North American Championships but starting in 2010, only athletes who compete in the CBBF Ontario Division Provincials will be allowed to compete at the Canadian Championships, Arnold Amateur, and North Americans.

As in most situations when change comes swiftly there will be a lot of confusion during the transition period, especially as former supporters of the OPA will do their best to discredit the new team. A good example is their tasteless and underhanded attempt at trashing both Melanie and Laura’s character, along with a rant accusing the CBBF of being a bunch of crooks, as posted on www.cbbfontario.com . It is entitled “CBBF Ontario Integrity-We Have None”. I am sure the author(s) of this garbage really think they successfully pulled one over on the CBBF and the new executive team by rushing to register the domain name first. Despite the many vicious and slanderous accusations the author speaks of integrity, but didn’t even have the balls to sign the document! Kudos to Mr. Robitaille who, in spite of his baseless accusations, at least signed his name.

Unfortunately for them, in their attempt to discredit the new team they just proved how petty they are by sabotaging those athletes who might be seeking legitimate information. I can assure everyone that the new team will be up with their own website soon, which will be informative, positive and forward thinking. Such lowlife tactics from those who once held power only shows us that the right decision was made by the CBBF in not recognizing them anymore. Perhaps if those disgruntled individuals spent as much energy fighting the rival organizations as they have in discrediting Melanie and Laura, then they wouldn’t be in this position.

My advice is to not listen to all the garbage and study all the facts before picking sides. In fact there are some very prominent people in the OPA who support this new team, including Steve Kucsma who has video taped many Ontario and Canadian National Championships. If you go to Steve’s website northernphysique.com you will notice that he has posted an online petition supporting the new executive. There are already over 50 names posted, many you will easily recognize. I suggest you study all the facts and if inclined, sign this petition. I am sure that Melanie and her team would be very appreciative of your support.

In closing I will leave you with this fact! If Melanie is the wicked backstabber that she is now being portrayed as, why was she awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award from those who now attack her?
I welcome your comments!

[SuperQT]

I thought I would share another point of view from Gary it was very well written and makes some fantastic points about WBBF and how fast it grew in Ontario. As well as the kind of show that is put on by other organizations in Ontario the OPA was the only organization to have only one show in the GTA and not even it's top show. I am very excited to see the the new CBBF Ontario does in terms of raising the bar for next years contest season.

[steve_d]

I've read both sides of the story, and it's hard to pick and choose sides seeing as how there are probably many OPA executives that have done their part and were quite successful at it. Some shows were still quite large.

This comes at strange timing for those wanting to do the natural stream. The show everyone would have been getting ready for is in September to qualify for the cbbf natural physique nationals in march next year. But now that show won't qualify you for it any more. I was in touch with cbbf ontario and that was confirmed.

Also, in ottawa there is a level 1 and level 2 show in november same day. I wonder if they will be effected in any way? I there is no such thing as level 1,2,3,4 then perhaps the ottawa/eastern ontario show format will change??

I sure picked a messed up time to come and compete again after a few years off!

[countrychic]

goodluck with your prep.

[steve_d]

thanks, looks like I'll be doing the ottawa show, and perhaps the show to qualify for what used to be called "world qualifier". Just need to wait and see when those shows are and if I can fit it in the schedule.