LIHUE — The 2018 NPC Kauai Cup is set for Oct. 20 at the Kauai Marriott Ballroom.
The local bodybuilding competition, hosted by Ainofea Productions and RK Sports, is the only NPC-sanctioned event on Kauai.
“It’s the National Physique Committee. Basically, if you win here, you automatically qualify for the big shows on the mainland,” said Vance Pascua, owner and CEO of Ainofea. “It’s a sanctioned event. I had to go through a lot of red tape to get it here on Kauai. So, it’s not like a small stepping stone. You can go straight to the big leagues.”
Pascua said there are 23 entrants so far. Men and women will compete in various divisions.
People can still sign up to enter. The deadline will be at weigh-ins from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 19 at the Kauai Athletic Club in Nawiliwili.
Entry fee is $100 per division entered.
“Right away, you save on all the expenses of flying over to Oahu. All that money you got to put out. Not to mention the amount contestants that Oahu has compared to here. You’re chances of placing is even better,” Pascua said. “That’s a big plus for them to have it here on the island. And, they get the support from the local crowd.”
General admission is $40, and VIP seating is $50. Doors will open at 5 p.m.
Tickets are available at: the Kukui Grove Center (the Ainofea store, the GNC store and Deli and Bread), Kauai Athletic Club in Nawiliwili and Kapaa, Kauai Supplements in Lihue, Pono Market in Kapaa and Wongs Restaurant in Hanapepe.
“It’s a nationally-sanctioned event. You’ll have the judges that does all the shows in the state here to do it. You’ll see the professionalism,” Pascua said. “If you haven’t seen a bodybuilding event, this is a one-of-a-kind. There’s nothing like it on the island. That’s another reason to check it out.
“It’s not just like a pageant. These guys are ripped and cut. They’re in the best shape of their lives. It’s pretty awesome to see them on stage.”
Also, Hawaii native and International Federation of BodyBuilding and Fitness pro Shavis Higa will be a guest poser.
“He’s a pro that’s been on the mainland. Now, he’s considered an IFBB pro,” Pascua said. “You can see where the local kids can make it big. … You see the stepping stones where they have an opportunity right here in their backyard. I hope they take advantage of it.”
Info: Pascua, 634-0404, www.kauaicup.com
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Nick Celario, sports writer, can be reached at 245-0437 or ncelario@thegardenisland.com.
