Text & Photos: GM Maurice Elmalem
T he Arnold Sports Festival has become the world ' s largest multi-sports weekend held Feb 28- March 3, 2013. This year ' s event was a major highlight for the organization as it celebrates the 25th Anniversary of the Arnold Classic with more than 18000 athletes from more than 80 nations, and over 175,000 spectators in attendance. Schwarzenegger and his co-producer Jim Lorimer have been partners since 1976 affirming to their motto“ To do better than the previous best.” 2013 by far was the best event I ever attended. There were more athletes and events also the hospitality was absolutely world class. New this year was the opening IFBB meet & greet the public, VIP ticket holders, bikini event, International 2013 Sports Hall of Fame with Masters of Ceremony, Arnold and Dr Goldman presented HOF awards to Blaine Wilson World Champion gymnast, basketball great Earl“ The Pearl” Monroe, Mr. Olympia Dr. Fraco Columbu( Arnold ' s best and closest friend) World Wrestling Champion“ The Extraordinary” Brudo Sammartino and Archie Griffin. The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Rick Gaspari first winner of the Arnold Body Building in 1989. Among the guest stars that attended were World Wrestling Champions Triple H & Mark Henry, Mr. Olympia Phil Heath & Ron Coleman, Super Bowl Champ XXXV Jamal Lewis, UFC Champ Matt Hughes, NPC Champion Rich Piana, UFC Heavy Weigh Champion Randy Couture and many more. Exhibitors with over 700 booths, athletes and
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