Former GBBFF President Donald Sinclair dies at 74

– described as an innovative, forward-thinking administrator

Former President of the Guyana Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (GBBFF) and a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Sustainable Tourism Management at the University of Guyana (UG), Donald Sinclair died on Thursday evening following a prolonged period of illness at the age of 74.
Apart from playing an integral role in Guyana’s tourism industry, having served in several capacities, he also left a legacy within the bodybuilding fraternity.
He is remembered as one of the longest-serving Presidents of the Guyana Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (GBBF), during which time he played a pivotal role in elevating the sport locally and regionally.
He was instrumental in hosting the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Bodybuilding Championships for the first time in 2004, a landmark moment for the sport in the country.
He was also the owner of Fitness Paradise Gym, which served as a hub for athlete development across multiple disciplines, reflecting his strong advocacy for healthy living and physical fitness.

Further, he was known for his unwavering support of athletes and his consistent push for sports associations to embrace sports tourism as a pathway to growth.
Meanwhile, Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle has joined the local sporting fraternity in mourning the passing of Sinclair by paying glowing tribute to Sinclair’s contribution to sport, describing him as an innovative and forward-thinking administrator whose leadership helped position bodybuilding among the top sports in Guyana during his tenure.
“Donald Sinclair was innovative in his approach to the governance of sport and played a critical role in placing bodybuilding at the forefront of Guyana’s sporting landscape,” Ninvalle said.
According to Ninvalle, Sinclair’s vision, structure and commitment elevated the sport locally and regionally, and his impact will be felt for generations.
Ninvalle further noted that Sinclair’s influence extended well beyond bodybuilding, highlighting his willingness to work closely with other disciplines in a personal capacity to assist with improving both on-field performance and administrative systems.
“He was always ready to share his knowledge and experience,” Ninvalle added.
“Whether it was helping athletes improve their performance or guiding associations on governance and administration, Sinclair gave freely of his time and expertise for the betterment of sport,” the Director of Sport noted.
Sinclair was known for his unwavering support of athletes and his consistent push for sports associations to embrace sports tourism as a pathway to growth. Ninvalle related that Sinclair’s passing represents a significant loss to Guyana’s sporting and tourism communities.