Page 16 - NGA NATURALmag 2023 FALL / WINTER Issue

Fall-Winter 2023
The The NGA PRO/AM Kentucky Natural Classic: A A A Triumph of Determination and Inspira- tion tion The The “Bluegrass State” was set to to wit-
ness another spectacular event as as as competitors from eight different states gathered to to battle it out in in the the NGA PRO/AM Kentucky Kentucky Natural Classic Representing Ohio Kentucky Kentucky Indiana Illinois Wisconsin Virginia Florida and Penn- sylvania athletes arrived at at at Rupp Arena with with hearts filled with with determination and a a a a a a a a a a fierce competitive spirit!
The atmosphere crackled with electric energy as as the the the competitors prepared to to take the the the stage for the the the the ultimate showdown The classes were packed and every athlete was ready to give their all all mak- ing ing ing ing it a a a a a a a a a a a a a challenging day for the the the the the judges who had the the the the the daunting task of selecting the the the the the best best among the the the the the best best Class by class competitors stepped onto the the the the stage pouring their heart and soul into every every pose leaving no stone unturned to to to make every every moment count The The evening show began at 4 pm with an an open- ing ing prayer to to to set the the the tone The The competitors united on on on on stage for for the the the National Anthem performed with electrifying power by Pay Mathison who captivated
the the the spectators and and set the the the stage for for the the the thrilling per- formances to to come The routines and and and T-walks were nothing short of captivating and and and kept the the audience entertained and and engaged throughout the the event During the the the intermission a a a a a a special moment awaited the the the audience as as as the the the "Jim Young Inspira- tion Award" recipient was was honored The award was was presented to Sunny Yang whose life journey embod- ied the true essence of o inspiration and and resilience Sunny's story began as a a a a a a a a police officer in in in China and and his pursuit o of freedom led him to to the United States where he he he he he he became an an elite rock climber However fate had other plans when he he he he he was struck by a a a a a a a a a a dis- tracted driver resulting in in in in a a a a a a a a severe spinal cord injury 16 NGA NATURALmag NGA NATURALmag NGA PRo/AM Kentucky