Originally Posted by Time Gardner on MD.com
Our IFBB production was scheduled to mirror last year's competition; IFBB Tampa Pro Bodybuilding Weekly Championships consisting of IFBB open bodybuilding men, 202 lb. men and open bodybuilding women. We have never advertised or promoted IFBB Fitness, Figure nor Bikini. I regret to report that I had to officially contact Mr. Manion today to drop the IFBB open women bodybuilding off of our contest schedule.

We do implement an NPC show, the NPC Tim Gardner Extravaganza, level IVA which is open nationwide to bodybuilding, fitness, figure and bikini competitiors. Updated information will be on our site soon @ www.ifbbtampapro.com by mid-April.

It pains me to say that I have procrastinated for weeks in making this decision in hopes that the supplement companies and indivduals who since last year have made committments to supporting female bodybuilding as such sponsors at our show would follow through with their word. I understand about the climate of our economy, my businesses are definitely feeling it too but unfortunately, I cannot even seem to get some to return a phone call or email.

Brandie and I spared no expenses with our IFBB contest in its inaugural year; all who attended can attest to that. The major industry publications all collectively reported the rich ambiance and prestige of our production. The 19 IFBB female athletes who competed in Tampa and their families were treated like royalty at our event. The likes of Vicki Nixon, Debi Laszewski and Dayana Cadeau who attended but did not compete were also given the same red carpet treatment. I received emails, phone calls and letters for months afterwards thanking me for a wonderful IFBB Tampa experience. This feedback did get back to the industry's companies so testimonials were confirmed of the dynamics of our contest.

So you can see why such the dilema. My heart goes out for the female competitors. I too, said the very same thing; there are only going to be two Olympia qualifiers on the 2009 schedule if I drop the Tampa PBW, I must carry this torch for the women. The caveat is that I did not anticipate zero support after so many unsolicited companies wanted to assist early on.