Valdeen Shears-Neptune
There is an art and science to exhibiting true strength. It's not only about the glamour of ripped "six packs," buffed biceps or sexy bikini bodies.For Kenneth Lowe, who started lifting weights at age 14, it's also about the right frame of mind, body and spirit.
Lowe, 50, is the founder of North 11 Concepts and host of the first T&T Strongman Contest with a difference.Lowe, alongside project partner, Joanne Raymond, will host a health exposition at Lion's Civic Centre, Port-of-Spain, on August 20, where entrepreneurs will focus on health and well-being.
Raymond, director of SICL Consultants, and Lowe, are hoping to raise awareness of the importance of overall good health.
"Being muscular or buff doesn't necessarily mean being healthy.
"So many times the focus is on sex appeal and not on human well-being," stated Raymond during an interview with the Sunday Guardian.
In fact, while entrepreneurs must pay to secure a booth at the event, the duo has offered a booth free to the T&T Alzheimer's Association.
Andrew Ramsaran, director of the association, said he was overjoyed that people interested in physical health could recognise the importance of good mental health as well.
"So many don't recognise or accept that physical and mental health go hand in hand," stated Ramsaran.
On the Strongman Contest, Lowe, who has competed regionally and internationally and left his mark on neighbouring Grenada, is offering contenders the opportunity to showcase both strength and endurance.
Having earned the second place title at Grenada's Strongman contest in 2013 after two initial tries, Lowe decided he would now offer others in the Caribbean the chance to go up against some local talent.
So far, the show, which will see participants take part in five categories, will offer the biggest purse as far as Lowe can recall. The winner will walk away with $10,000 cash.
The concept for the categories, said Lowe, was influenced by western culture, which saw cowhands and cowboys utilising their bales of hays and tractor tyres to not only keep fit, but to encourage competitiveness and a spirit of camaraderie.
Those categories include the Truck Pull, Dead Lift, Farmer's Walk, Tyre Flip and a Medley.
Lowe reminded that T&T's first Olympic win was in fact in weightlifting, when Rodney Wilkes brought home silver at the 1948 Olympic Games in London.
This was also followed by the bronze Olympic medal won by Lennox Kilgore at the 1952 Helinski Games, added Lowe.This country, he said, was once quite involved in weightlifting.It is Lowe's and Raymond's hope that their upcoming event would revitalise an interest in both the young and the young at heart.
The event will house 32 booths, children under 12 are free of charge, while adults will have to pay an entrance fee.
Next on the agenda, stated the duo, is a female version of their upcoming show.