Mike Eman received the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness' distinguished services award ©IFBB

The Prime Minister of Aruba, Mike Eman, has received the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness' (IFBB) distinguished services award.

Eman received the award in a ceremony on the Caribbean island on behalf of IFBB President Rafael Santonja.

It comes in recognition of his support for the Ben Weider Legacy Cup, held at Palm Beach in Aruba between August 4 and 6.

John Arendsz, who organised the Legacy Cup, presented Eman with the award as part of his role as President of the Aruba Bodybuilding and Powerlifting Association.

Arendsz is also the President of the Central America and Caribbean Bodybuilding Federation.

He is said to have a "close relationship" with Eman.

Santonja visited Aruba for the competition, the first Legacy Cup of the season.

The first Ben Weider Legacy Cup of the season was held in Aruba last month ©IFBB
The first Ben Weider Legacy Cup of the season was held in Aruba last month ©IFBB

Athletes from 20 countries competed in bodybuilding, men's physique, bodyfitness, bikini fitness and classic bodybuilding.

Jameil Hamilton of The Bahamas claimed overall victory in the bodybuilding event with Aruba's Mónica Sánchez winning the overall bikini title.

Two more Ben Weider Legacy Cups are due to be held this year.

The next event is due to be in Lahti in Finland between October 6 and 9 before a competition in Canadian city Toronto between October 20 and 23.

The events are organised to commemorate Weider, the IFBB co-founder alongside brother Joe and its first President.

Legacy Cup competitions are organised on an annual basis at regional or continental level. 

Santonja also took the opportunity to meet with Aruba's International Olympic Committee member Nicole Hoevertsz during his visit.