- 2022 Emerald Cup Exhibitor Booth
- 2019 Emerald Cup Contest Coverage - NW Fitness Magazine
- 2019 Vancouver Open Contest Coverage - NW Fitness Magazine
- Redeem free issue – NW Fitness Magazine – Jan 2020
- One Male & One Female Open Class Winner from the 2019 NPC Emerald Cup will be on the cover of the next issue of NW Fitness Magazine. Vote for your favorite Open Overall Class Winner.
Ben Yada – Inspirational Story
Ben Yada – Inspirational Story – NW Fitness Magazine.
As told by Julie Sheldon, Bens Mom…
“I want to introduce you to an extraordinary young man, my son, Ben Yada. Ben’s mission in life was to become a member of the Navy Seals. Unfortunately, that dream was not to be due to a peanut allergy which kept him from enlisting in the military. On April 6, 2003, Ben crashed his CBR 954 motorcycle on the Alaskan Way Viaduct in Seattle, WA. He went off the upper level falling approximately 30 ft. to the freeway below. Fortunately, he was near Harborview Medical Center where he remained for nearly 3 months. Ben was in a coma for weeks and his recovery required him to learn to breath on his own, swallow, speak, walk, all over in addition to polytrauma (ankles, pelvis, sacrum, ribs, jaw, internal bleeding, multiple infections, blood clots, ventilator, etc.) including injuries requiring a dozen surgeries.
Despite what doctors can only describe as a miracle (expected to be in a permanent vegetative state), Ben has completed an
Associate Degree and a Bachelor of Science degree in General Studies from Central Washington University. Ben has always been very involved in physical fitness, particularly weight lifting and body building, and was a certified personal trainer with Powerhouse’s Gym in SeaTac, WA at the time of the accident. His motivation to recover and getting back to the gym gave him his life back. The photo of Ben by the red Mustang was taken approximately 18 months after the accident.
About a year ago, Ben decided to train for the Emerald Cup which has a long history in the Seattle bodybuilding community. He bulked up to 285 lbs. and on the day of the competition, he weighed 196 lbs. The competition was held on May 8 & 9, 2015 at the Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue, WA. There were over 500 competitors in all
categories. Ben received the Most Inspirational award in front of a packed house and received a standing ovation. The NPC WA State Men’s Physique is Ben’s second competition and his goal is continual improvement.
Ben has been an inspiration to me. I saw him fight his way back from the brink of death. Ben continues to attend the brain injury support group at Harborview Medical Center, as his work schedule allows, to help others facing similar circumstances. He gives hope to families and friends of loved ones facing the uncertain world of recovery. Ben is a member of the Power Team at Life Change Church and is an inspiration to all who know him. He sets goals for himself and he achieves them. Ben’s goal in life is to help others.”
Bens Story will be on display at the WA State Fitness EXPO July 11-12th Puyallup Wa. Stop by and vote for his story at the Expo. Ben will be receiving a special recognition award on stage at the NPC WA STATE Bodybuilding Championship Evening Finals July 11th.
Jeremy Williams – NW Fitness Magazine
