Sundaymail Editor
Deputy Sports Editor
Golden Peacock Hotel and the Zimbabwe College of Music are set to be buzzing with bodybuilding activity come year-end, as the venues host the Manicaland Classic and the Harare Classic Open tournaments, respectively.
The two competitions will mark the official return of bodybuilding, with the Manicaland Open slated for November 27, while the Harare Classic is pencilled in for December 4.
Organisers of both events expressed relief at the return of the sport.
“I think the entire bodybuilding community is very excited to be back in the gym and now training under the new Covid-19 protocols,” said Simbarashe Dube, the Manicaland Bodybuilding Federation vice chairperson.
“As bodybuilders and as gyms, we welcome the move.
“We acknowledge that the country has been through a very difficult time owing to the Covid-19 pandemic and a lot of us have lost close friends and relatives to the virus.
“That being said, we welcome the need to get vaccinated and we are eager to play our part,” he said.
Organisers are also expecting a good turnout.
Four categories are lined-up for the events – the junior and senior men bodybuilding, men’s physique open, men’s fitness open and women’s bikini fitness open.
“It’s the first of two tournaments that we will be able to hold this year and preparations are already at an advanced stage.
“We have given our athletes ample time to prepare, which means they have to hit the gym now so as to ensure they are in the best possible shape.
“We have secured our venue, already started fundraising and believe that there will be a lot of exciting prizes for the winners,” Dube said.
Among those expected to grace the show are the likes of Vince Carter and defending champion Nunurai Masosonere.
Festivities are then expected to move to the Harare Classic Open.
Masosonere is also expected to expect to headline the event, together with Vincent Kandiero and Edward Mutero.
“The reopening of gyms is good for the athletes as it is their main source of income and good for the sport,” said Tarirai Chirurume, the Harare province coordinator.
“This is the second edition of the competition and we are looking at a huge turnout.
“We have had a lot of people inquiring about the competition from outside the country, while the response has been mostly positive.
“We are halfway through our collection, doing our crowdfunding and fundraising but should be ready when the time comes.
“Continuity will be key going forward.
“The Harare Classic Open will be held soon after another competition in Manicaland, and the key is to give our guys regular competitions going forward,” said Chirurume.
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