CANADIAN PHYSIQUE ALLIANCE JUNE || ISSUE 34 | Page 4

a trainer, gym owner and all
around genuinely great
ambassador for our sport. I was
rather taken aback when I was
asked to speak about mental
illness during the evening
finals of the event. Three years
ago, athlete, Jordan Marshall, a
junior bodybuilding
 competitor competed,
winning the junior division in
bodybuilding at this very
event. Jordan was known for
his friendly and personable
personality, with great mature
sportsmanship at such a
young age.   He was well liked
by all who met him yet he
took his own life later that
year.  This inspired Jeni and
super volunteer Cara Roberts
to bring attention to mental
illness by giving an award to
an athlete who conducted
themselves with
sportsmanship, kindness,
helpfulness, was polite, well-
mannered, and respectful.
The volunteers working
backstage, judges and tanning
staff picked the person to win
the award.
I had an opportunity to
hand this award to Kenia
Bock, a competitor who
is a mother and
grandmother. She
entered numerous
classes and exemplified
the characteristics
mentioned above. I
spoke a little about how
the fitness industry has
helped save many lives.