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Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
UNITED Kingdom-based owner of a local gym Nathan Greenland has decided to motivate local bodybuilders by sponsoring the inaugural Bodyworks Classics to be held at Bulawayo Athletic Club on 29 October.
A national event that is sure to attract the best bodybuilders from all over Zimbabwe has six categories. These are the strongmen competition where muscled men will pull cars over 30 metres, run with 100 kilograms of weights over the same distance and engage in the farmer’s walk, senior open men, male Under-23, men’s fitness as well as women’s bikini fitness.
On the same day there is also going to be an aerobics display as well as a taekwondo show.
Greenland said they have so many other sponsors who are in partnership with them for the show. He promised that there are prizes for those who will finish in the top five in each of the sections with the rewards still a surprise to be unveiled to the winners on the day.
“The top five in each category will receive a prize, those are a surprise, we have got so many sponsors, and Bulawayo is really backing it. I also got several gyms in the UK that have thrown in the prizes, I am surprised by the reaction but I can assure you it’s big,’’ said Greenland.
On the reasons for putting together the competition Greenland said that it was a way for Bodyworks to pay tribute to the bodybuilders who put in the hard work at training. Despite not going to be around for the event, Greenland expressed confidence in the team that he has put in place to run the show which he believes will be something to be remembered.
“That was to honour our athletes who put in so much into the training, the diet, it’s a skilled discipline and this is my way of showing that they are appreciated. I’ve planned it and got a team of professionals who are passionate to make this a show that is not to be forgotten I want people to come out in their numbers,’’ Greenland said.
Event co-ordinator Simon Gama said with the competition being held a week after Mr and Ms Zimbabwe, the Bodyworks Classics should attract the best bodybuilders from all parts of the country as well as outside.
“It’s an international event open to any athletes in Zimbabwe and outside the country, registration is already open and closes four hours before the event because we want to cater for even those coming from outside Bulawayo. The show starts at 9am on the day,’’ said Gama.
Since it was opened in 2014, Bodyworks Gym has also been involved in co-sponsoring the Mr and Mr Bulawayo as well as the Mr and Ms Zimbabwe International Trade Fair.
Bodyworks is home to the biggest bodybuilding academy in Zimbabwe which has 20 bodybuilders. Out of these 14 are going for Mr and Ms Zimbabwe at Harare International School on 22 October. In total, Bulawayo is sending 25 competitors to the national event.
@Mdawini_29
Online Reporter