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President Danny Summer of the Antilles Caribbean Bodybuilding Federation has big plans in 2007

Danny Sumner has two very large hats to wear next season, and he plans to wear both with distinction, and make the most of both opportunities.

The Bahamas Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (BBFF) President is now also the President of the Antilles Caribbean Bodybuilding Federation, which oversees the running of the sport in 10 countries including The Bahamas. Countries such as Bermuda, The Cayman Islands, Cuba, The Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, Mexico, The Turks & Caicos Islands and Puerto Rico will all fall under Sumner's jurisdiction next year.

Sumner said that while it will be a huge task to perform both jobs in an efficient manner, he is obligated to doing so, and will try his best to raise the competitive level of the sport both locally and regionally.

"The Bahamas and the region can definitely look forward to bigger things to come in bodybuilding and fitness," he said. "It's a big task, but it is one which I am prepared to handle," he added.

Sumner was unanimously elected as the President of the Antilles region during a congress meeting at the 34th Annual Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Championships in Kingston, Jamaica this past summer. Four years ago in Caracas, Venezuela, he made history when he became the highest serving Bahamian ever in the sport by being elected as Vice President of the Antilles region, and this year, he got in as President. He said that he will do the job to the best of his ability, and despite serving simultaneously as BBFF President, he will not give The Bahamas priority over the other countries when it comes to matters within the Antilles region. He assured The Nassau Guardian that he is well prepared for the added responsibility.

One reason for his steady rise in the Antilles federation could be because of The Bahamas' spectacular performance at regional events over the past 10 years. The Bahamas has performed well regionally in recent times, and as a result, is now recognized as a Caribbean power in the sport.

Sumner said that it has been long overdue that the Bahamas be known for the sport of bodybuilding. He said that his new position would give him insight into promoting the sport of bodybuilding and fitness, which will encourage athletes to have a greater hunger for the sport. He went on to say that it's an honor for him to have been chosen over so many candidates, and he will make the most of this opportunity.

"We were at the CACs that was held in Jamaica a few months ago, and that is going to set the stage for greater things to come," Sumner said. "We have always performed at the CACs at a top level, but now is the time for bodybuilders and fitness athletes to take the sport more serious than ever before. The Antilles will become like a stepping stone for those upcoming athletes along with seasoned bodybuilders. I would see to it that the advancement of the sport be given top priority to high school recruits and those who want to join the sport of bodybuilding," he added.

The Bahamas finished fourth in those championships this year, but has won five of the past nine overall titles. Sumner, who was right in the middle of quite a few of those championships, has always shown his desire for the sport and his work ethic is directed toward enhancing the betterment of the sport. Sumner was a forerunner in the sport of powerlifting, which is led by Rex Burnside, before the split of the two sports locally. Working alongside Burnside before the separation of the two sports, he was able to travel as a part of national teams with the likes of Kevin 'One Ton' Woodside, Natasha Newbold, Arlington Clarke, Bob Brown and Falcon Major.

Sumner also had the opportunity to educate himself while serving as President of the BBFF. He's currently a certified international judge under the International Federation for Bodybuilding (IFBB).

As far as the BBFF is concerned, Sumner said that he feels privileged to have athletes such as 'Big' Joel Stubbs, Raymond Tucker, Jay Darling, Gina Mackey, Aaron Greene and many others to help in the development of the sport locally. He also gave praise to Della Thomas and Maxine Darville, who he said both did wonders while in the sport of Bodybuilding.

"It is indeed a pleasure to have my executive team of the BBFF engaging their full support as we venture into next year," said Sumner. "In the Antilles region, plans are already underway to bring the Antilles Championships back, and we want to do that as early as next year," he added.

Sumner played a vital role in The Bahamas' successful hosting of the 2003 CAC Championships, in which over 10 countries and 60 athletes participated. He said that hopefully the Antilles Championships, which at one point was so highly regarded and anticipated in the region, will be held in The Bahamas one day