California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger presenting Ben Weider with the "Lifetime Achievement Award" at the 2008 Arnold Classic in Columbus, Ohio, USA

For over thirty years, Ben Weider and Jim Lorimer have developed a friendship built on common interests and a passion for bodybuilding and fitness.  Although they are located in different countries - Ben in Montreal, Canada and Jim in Columbus, Ohio, USA - they are living proof that a healthy and fit lifestyle will lead to a successful life.

Said Ben Weider, "Jim is one of the most respected and honorable people I know and since 1976, he has played a key role in the growth of our sport and the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB)."

"The sport of bodybuilding unites people and thanks to Jim’s leadership skills as a master promoter, the Arnold Sports Festival is the largest multi-sport festival in the U.S.A," continued Ben.

To ensure the success of the Arnold Sports Festival, Jim leads four full-time staff, 600 volunteers including a medical staff of 150 doctors and nurses and 30 committees.  The 2008 festival featured 38 events, including 14 Olympic sports.  There were over 155,000 visitors and 17,000 athletes who traveled to Columbus, Ohio to participate and view the various competitions.

Jim Lorimer and Ben Weider at the 2008 Arnold Classic

Jim Lorimer also holds Ben in the highest regard, which is evident by his gesture in recognizing Ben during the 2008 Arnold Classic with the Arnold Schwarzenegger "Lifetime Achievement Award."  This award recognizes individuals whose careers have greatly contributed to the advancement or promotion of physical activity, fitness, or sports worldwide.

There have only been seven other recipients of this distinguished award since its inception.   They include Joe Weider, Bill Pearl, Frank Zane, Reg Park, Jim Lorimer, Jack LaLanne, Lee Haney and Cory Everson.

After presenting this prestigious award, Jim wrote a letter to Ben in which he states, "It was a great pleasure and honor for us to recognize your unmatched achievements across a wide range of outstanding endeavors.  To highlight your great accomplishments during our 20th Anniversary celebration was especially meaningful to us.  I hope you felt that our presentation at the Arnold Classic bodybuilding event reflected favorably on the sport to which you have dedicated your life."

This entry was posted on Wednesday, April 30th, 2008 at 7:48 pm and is filed under News.