The Central American & Caribbean Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships, scheduled to be held in Mexico City this week, have been cancelled until further notice.

Vail Sheldon Seebaran, the secretary of the Central American and Caribbean Bodybuilding & Fitness Federation, has advised all national federations that the event has been cancelled as a result of last week’s earthquake that struck Mexico City, the passage of hurricanes Irma and Maria as well as safety concerns of participants on the ongoing seismic activity in Mexico.

“The safety of all persons attending and participating at the championships is our main priority,” Seebaran said. “The CACBBFF continues to have in its thoughts and prayers the various countries within the Caribbean and Mexico who continue to be affected by the unfortunate natural disasters and weather and wish them continued strength in rebuilding their lives and communities.”

Last week’s earthquake killed more than 200 people and toppled many buildings while hurricanes Irma and Maria killed more than 150 and caused catastrophic damage throughout the Caribbean and the United States.

The CACBBF Championship was scheduled to be held from September 29 to October 1 at the Ferocarrilero Theatre, with Bermuda’s 13-member team among the competitors.

Mark Simons, the Bermuda Bodybuilding & Fitness Federation president, said members of the local contingent had also raised safety concerns in the wake of last week’s earthquake that killed more than 200 people and toppled homes, schools and apartment buildings.

“No one wanted to go to Mexico City after the earthquake on September 19 and they had another one last Friday,” Simons told The Royal Gazette.

Simons said the BBFF “is exploring options for the team to compete elsewhere in other competitions they are eligible to compete in the near future. The athletes are fine and have put in lots of work, hence the BBBFF seeking other options for them to showcase their talents so the work doesn’t go to waste.”

Bermuda’s CAC Championships team is comprised of Jefta Miller, Kyle Santucci, Shaqir Richards, Alex Chum, Sheldon Effs, Julian Johnson, Bernard Opoku, Sunder Singh, Arlene Basden, Kai Miller, Tiffanie Smith, Sabrina Burgess and Melissa Smith.

Johnson, Melissa Smith and Opoku are the only surviving from the team that took part in the CAC Championships in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, last year.