I've always had a passion for sports. I remember when I was a kid, begging my mom to take karate classes but things were tight so she couldn't afford it. But finances wouldn't stop me from being active and by the time I was 14, I was playing football. I moved out of New York City when I was 15 and it was hard for me because I had to make new friends at a new school but joining the football team made the transition much easier. My skills also gave me a lot of attention, so I realized from that moment how sports can change one's life in a positive way. Sports led to weight training and in a short time I noticed my body changing and so did everyone including my mom. I would always send her pictures of my development and she always encouraged me to continue. And it was my mom (a New York City police officer), working at the Puerto Rican Day Festival in Spanish Harlem, that would meet Charles and the CGB. She was impressed with the organization and of course she thought it would be a perfect fit for me. Mom is always right. Becoming a CGB is like icing on the cake. Being part of this brotherhood that inspires people to change their lives and bodies is so amazing. I've learned to put God first in everything I do because one thing always seems to lead to something even better.

-Yman