Chris Dickerson Receives "Ben Weider Achievement Award" in Tampa
By Dan Solomon and Rob Wilkins

Caption: From Left to Right: Dan Solomon, Tim Gardner, Chris Dickerson, Rob Wilkins, Bob Cicherillo

On Saturday, August 9, 2008, bodybuilding fans gathered in Tampa, Florida for the inaugural IFBB "Pro Bodybuilding Weekly Championships," where the Ben Weider Lifetime Achievement Award was presented at the Tampa Center for the Performing Arts.
This award is named after the iconic IFBB co-founder and Honorary Life President, Ben Weider, who has championed the benefits of a bodybuilding lifestyle for over sixty years. It was created to recognize an individual who has committed themselves to the advancement, promotion and lifestyle of the sport of bodybuilding.
The inaugural award was presented to former Mr. Olympia champion Chris Dickerson who received a standing ovation from the enthusiastic crowd. As the first African-American to be crowned Mr. America and the first African-American to appear on the cover of FLEX magazine, Dickerson remains one of the sport's most celebrated figures.
"For over thirty years, Chris has been one of our most respected and admired champions," said Weider. "As a bodybuilding trail-blazer and pioneer, he has helped eliminate negative stereotypes and served as a role model to generations of bodybuilders. A true professional, it brings me great pleasure to recognize Chris as the the first recipient of this award," commented Weider.
As part of an emotional presentation, "Pro Bodybuilding Weekly" founder Dan Solomon presented the award. During the presentation, the large video monitor above the stage showed the posing routine that Dickerson performed at the 1982 Mr. Olympia contest in London, England.
Joining Solomon on stage was the Executive Assistant to the President, Rob Wilkins who presented Dickerson with the bronze Eagle Sculpture on behalf of Weider.
"It was such an honor to have the great Chris Dickerson stand on our stage to accept this award," explained the event's promoter Tim Gardner. "Chris is one of bodybuilding's classiest champions and he deserves this great honor".
 "The Ben Weider Lifetime Achievement Award is just our way of recognizing this exceptional bodybuilding legend and on behalf of the entire IFBB family, we congratulate this remarkable individual and wish him many more years of success!," Weider said.