Louw for World Power Lifting Championships

Sisa Sihwa, Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE-BORN South Africa-based Chelsea Louw has qualified for the World Power Lifting Championships to be held in September.

Louw, a student at the University of Pretoria has engaged the services of renowned fitness coach Simon Gama since she only has an online coach based in Durban. The 23-year-old will be competing in the Junior-female under 52 kilogrammes category.

Prior to her qualification, Louw had only competed twice in the sport, participated at the nationals in South Africa on 16 June and won which gave her to right to head to the World Championships.

Louw expressed confidence that she will do well at world championships in Czech Republic because her numbers were extremely high. Her biggest challenge is sponsorship as she has not received any financial backing so far for her trip.

Meanwhile a decorated and seasoned weight lifting and fitness trainer Gama is the newly appointed Bulawayo head coach for weight lifting and fitness in the province ahead of next month’s National Youth Games to be held in Matabeleland North.

Gama confirmed that he only received a call about his appointment and is still awaiting a confirmation letter.

“I only received a call saying I have been appointed as the Bulawayo weight lifting and fitness coach, but l am yet to receive letter to confirm my employment,’ said Gama.

He has already identified athletes which he will train and prepare for upcoming National Youth Games to be staged throughout Matabeleland North with Hwange being where all the official ceremonies are taking place.

“I have managed to identify a number of athletes for weight lifting and fitness and some athletes in the gym as well and we have since begun training together in preparation for the upcoming games,’’ Gama said.

Weight lifting is one of the sporting codes that were recently introduced by the Sport and Recreation and Commission run for the National Youth Games.