The IFBB has confirmed that it will participate at this year’s Bolivarian Games ©IFBB

The International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) has confirmed that the sport will feature at this year’s Bolivarian Games, which are scheduled to take place next month in Colombian city Santa Marta. 

A total of 11 countries are due to compete at the event, due to be held from November 11 to 25.

Seven nations belonging to the Bolivarian Sport Organization (ODEBO) - Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, Peru and Venezuela - will be joined by four invited countries - the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala and Paraguay.

IFBB President Rafael Santonja is due to attend the 18th edition of the ODEBO-organised event.

Accompanying him will be IFBB vice-presidents Eduardo Abdalah and Javier Pollock, and South American Confederation of Bodybuilding and Fitness President Juan Paredes.

It is one of many activities the IFBB is looking to undertake following recognition by the Pan American Olympic Organization (PASO).

Bodybuilding is continuing to strive for inclusion in multi-sport events across the Pan American region ©IFBB Official/Facebook
Bodybuilding is continuing to strive for inclusion in multi-sport events across the Pan American region ©IFBB Official/Facebook

Bodybuilding was added as the 39th sport set to feature in the Lima 2019 Pan American Games at last year's PASO Extraordinary General Assembly in Qatar’s capital Doha.

In April, Santonja said he believes that inclusion on the programme in Peru’s capital will have a significant impact in boosting the profile of his sport.

The Spaniard, who has led the Madrid-based federation since 2006, claimed that it had "opened the door" towards participation in other multi-sports events in the region.

This included the Bolivarian Games and the Central American Games.

Under the outlined plans, men will compete across two "classic" bodybuilding height categories.

Female athletes will then participate in one fitness competition.