Judges for the first annual “Mr. & Ms. Fit South Miami” awarded Billy Casimir the title of “Mr. Fit South Miami” and Gysenia Gonzalez Avila, “Ms. Fit South Miami,” in the community-wide event.
Taking the coveted top honors in three separate age brackets were Brook Trace, first place among all over 40 years; Gisella Esteves, over 50; Donna Lyons, best among those over 60.
Friendly competitions between local non-professional fitness enthusiasts and the co-ed challenge took place at Bank United Center’s Fieldhouse Sept. 4, hosted by Vivian Gonzalez, WSVN-TV/7 meteorologist and fitness enthusiast, joined by Dr. Etiony Aldorondo, Associate Dean for Research at the University of Miami School of Education and Human Development.
“SoMi Fitness” also combined proceeds from the National Physique Committee (NPC) “SoMi Classic,” an event taking place the following night in the same location, raising $5,183 for UM’s Department of Kinesiology and Sports Sciences.
“The first annual Mr. & Ms. Fit South Miami exceeded our expectations,” said SoMi Fitness owner Unni Greene, who organized the event with partner William Del Sol. “It was a fun and relaxed event, positively received by the contestants, the judging panel and the audience. It was just what we had hoped for and we’re very grateful for the support from the community.”
Marking contestants separately for appearances in fitness wear and evening attire were “Diet Diva” Greene, NPC bikini athlete, personal trainer and nutritionist; Pierre Vuala, International Federation of Bodybuilding pro and Fitness competitor, personal trainer and fitness model; David Morin, bodybuilder and fitness model; Erika Boom, owner and founder of Bellyn- Kicks, Fit Mama and Boom Bicycles; and Eli Sapharti, motivational speaker, athlete and creator of “Fat Boy, Fit Man.”
“Both competitions, Mr. & Ms. Fit South Miami and the NPC SoMi Classic, were extremely gratifying for us because of community support and help from South Miami, Pinecrest and Coral Gables benefitting such a great cause,” added Greene. “It made it so much better because everyone and that felt part of it and that they were making a
difference.”
Sponsorship and prize donations were provided by Marhaba Mediterranean Cuisine, Tabelina Jewelry and Dr. John Martin Jr. of Coral Gables Reconstructive Cosmetic Surgery. Although Greene and Del Sol consider the inaugural event a success, they are already laying the groundwork for a 2016 competition.
“We have many goals for next year, including the timing of the event,” said Greene. “Labor Day weekend made it difficult for some to compete because of scheduling conflicts; others were going out of town. We’re looking to move the competition to different weekend so we can have greater participation from the community.
“In addition, many people want to get fit before summer, so maybe if the competition is held before school lets out, we’ll catch them right at their physical peaks.”
SoMi Fitness is located at 6855 SW 81 Street South Miami, FL 33143. For more information, call 305-775-4128, email to somifitness@gmail.com or visit online at www.MrAndMsFitMiami.com and www.SoMiFitness.com.
