adminMark Mwale the secretary general of the association said they have already started training and will give their best shot in all the competitions lined up for the year.
“Training is well underway and our athletes are busy working out in gyms dotted around the city and I can assure you that Bulawayo is geared up for the challenges that lie ahead. We want to participate in all the competitions both local and national. With the determination I have seen so far we will not be pushovers,” said Mwale.
He said they have up-and-coming bodybuilders like Domingo Lunga and Dennis Phiri who have well chiselled bodies. The two train at Iminyela Gym alongside Mwale.
The other bodybuilder who is expected to make a huge impact is the imposing Pearson Taruvinga who trains at Dynamics Gym.
Mwale is the reigning Mr Musclemania and Mr Harare in the disabled category and is looking forward to retaining both titles but is still wary of bodybuilders from Harare.
“Actually we have a number of bodybuilders who can stand their own against the country’s best. I am the reigning champion in two major competitions and a number of people will be eyeing these titles but I am up for the challenge as the defending champion.
“Harare is still a powerhouse and we will try and give them a good run for their money when we compete in the Musclemania and Mr Harare before the big one which is the All-Africa Pro-fitness in August,” he said.
Before out-muscling Harare, Mwale said they will compete first in the Mr Bulawayo and later Mr Matabeleland where they will choose the bodybuilders who will represent the region.
He also expressed happiness given the fact that the disabled are now recognised in all the competitions. Athletes like him compete from a wheelchair and the judges just consider the upper body.
Gyms such as Barberton, Body Active Health Studio and The Gym are providing facilities to the bodybuilders free of charge in an effort to raise the city’s profile.
A number of athletes are benefiting through this kind gesture and Mwale said they are grateful adding that they will not disappoint during the national competitions.
Online Reporter