The Sunday News
Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
NATIONAL Federation of Zimbabwe Body Building and Fitness are working on an ambitious plan to have world renowned former international bodybuilder, Arnold Schwarzenegger attend Mr and Ms Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in April.
Organiser of the PPC Zimbabwe bankrolled event, Simon Gama said NFZBBF, with assistance from local businesspeople were trying to have the 70-year old who has over the years distinguished himself as an actor, producer, businessman, investor, author, philanthropist, activist, politician and former professional bodybuilder come to Bulawayo. If the plan succeeds, the show, slated for 27 April at the Bulawayo Large City Hall is certain to generate a lot of interest.
“There are plans by our national federation to bring Arnold Schwarzenegger to Bulawayo for Mr and Ms ZITF with some businesspeople prepared to pay for his air ticket and accommodation,’’ he said.
Schwarzenegger already runs his own body building series, the Arnold Classic which takes place in a number of countries, including South Africa. This year’s Arnold Classic Africa is scheduled for 18 to 20 May where some of the top bodybuilders in the country are set to take part.
Organisers of Mr and Ms ZITF are also working on having seasoned musician Oliver Mtukudzi provide entertainment at the show’s after party at the same venue.
Meanwhile, more categories have been added to Mr and Ms ZITF with those putting the event together trying to ensure that it meets international standards. Included from last year is women body physique, while for senior men, lightweight and middleweight bodybuilding as well as wheelchair are the categories to be contested for.
According to Gama, there has been an interest in the competition from bodybuilders from Zimbabwe, Malawi, Namibia, Zambia and Jordan. Veteran female bodybuilder Regina Jonga, who has been based in South Africa but is back home has confirmed that she is competing in women’s body physique.
“We have added more categories to meet international standards, in past we just had one line up for senior men which disadvantaged others. Mr ZITF is one of the biggest shows in southern Africa.
Registration is only starting on 1 April,’’ said Gama.
Reigning Mr Zimbabwe Ndumiso Dlodlo won Mr ZITF senior bodybuilding, Simbarashe Mhaka took men’s physique while Mitchell Matsito won the women beach bikini.
As was the case last year, Mr Strongman is taking place at the ZITF Main Arena on the same day as the bodybuilding. Botswana-based Gift Sango won Mr Strongman ahead of Prosper Saungweme. -@Mdawini_29
