The Sunday News
Senior Sports Reporter
THE National Federation of Zimbabwe Bodybuilding and Fitness will send a 25-member team of bodybuilders to the inaugural Arnold Classic contest scheduled for Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa at the end of the month. Spokesperson for the NFZBBF Quiet Shangai said their desire was to send 19 males and six females to the multi-sport festival and expo that will be staged from 27 to 29 May.
Of the 25, Ndumiso Dlodlo who won the Mr Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in Bulawayo last month, is based in South Africa. All the women are from Harare while the men were drawn from Bulawayo, Gweru, Mutare, Marondera and Harare.
Lovemore Munyamana, the reigning Mr Bulawayo who also finished as runner-up at the Mr ZITF, has been busy preparing for the Arnold Classic at Body Works Gym where he is spending at least two hours a day making sure that he stays fit. It is the first time that Munyamana will be taking part in an international competition.
“In October last year I was supposed to go to Italy but I could not secure a sponsor. I am looking forward to the Arnold Classic but I am also still to get a sponsor. There are promises, my chances of going are looking good, in terms of preparations I am ready for the stage,’’ said the 32-year-old Munyamana.
However, Shangai disclosed that the NFZBBF was struggling to come up with funding to send the team to the prestigious event and appealed to the corporate world to assist.
He said they need $250 for early registration as well as 30 euros for the International Federation of Bodybuilding card, for each athlete.
So far assistance has been received from Doves who are providing uniforms and other logistics related aspects.
“We are leaving on the 24th, if resources permit we are leaving by air but if the situation remains as it is we are leaving by road. We are appealing to the corporate world to come in and assist as it is difficult for some of our athletes to raise the required $250 early registration fee plus the 30 euros for IFBB international card,’’ said Shangai.
The Arnold Sports Festival, named after legendary American professional body builder Arnold Schwarzenegger, is an annual event celebrating numerous sporting codes.
The flagship event is a four-day affair held every springtime in Columbus, Ohio featuring a bodybuilding and fitness tournament as well as three-day fitness pro.
It is the first time that the competition, popular in the United States, Australia, Europe and South America, is being held in Africa.
Team Zimbabwe
Isaac Chimuchenga, Blessing Samaringa, Blessing Nyapimbi, Edison Marondera, Tarirai Chirume, Brighton Mazikana, Vincent Kandiyero, Ndumiso Dlodlo, Garikayi Mujuru, Lovemore Munyamana, Tawanda Choga, Raymond Mutandiri, Michael Shonhiwa, Precious Mujuru, Demmi Ferreira, Sally Lapage, Jonathan Miller, Luke Gilmour, Ramon Fransch, Prosper Saungweme, Gift Sango, Simbarashe Godwin Mhaka, Crofton Murombo, Regina Jonga, Louise Lawson.
