adminChipo Sabeta Senior Sports Reporter
FOUR-TIME Mr Zimbabwe body-building champion Givemore “Champion” Marume will be hosting the Marume Classic body-building contest on August 5 with over 60 athletes expected.
Running under the theme, “Promoting Health and Fitness”, the country’s top hulks are set to converge at the Zimbabwe College of Music in Harare.
The legendary body-builder, whose journey began in Gweru in 1990, said preparations for the show were going well with the International Federation of Body-building and Fitness South Africa professional Earl Abrahams expected to grace the event.
Reigning Mr Zimbabwe, Paul Goredema, who finished third in the super heavyweight division at the IFBB Arnold Classic in South Africa recently, will be the guest poser.
Marume, now an organising administrator in the National Federation of Zimbabwe Body Building and Fitness set-up, revealed athletes were set to compete in seven categories.
“Preparations for the inaugural Marume Classic are going very well so far. We are expecting top bodybuilder Earl Abrahams from South Africa and our reigning Mr Zimbabwe, Paul Goredema, will be the official guest poser.
“I have been doing body-building competitions for 20 years and I think it’s important to inspire upcoming athletes with a classic show which will be happening for the first time in Zimbabwe.
“I am putting all my energy to help improve our sport through good provincial structures and exposing athletes to international competitions.
“Athletes will compete in seven categories comprising girls and boys’ teen fitness, Junior Men Under-23 Body-building, Women Bikini, Men’s Physique, Men’s Fitness and Senior Men Bodybuilding. “For the first edition, at least 60 athletes are expected and there are over $3 000 worth of prizes to be won,” he said.
“I started this project to complement the national system just like what Shamain Adams does in South Africa and the issue was taken up by the Development Secretary and the Executive Council endorsed the idea.
“Messages of support and encouragement from former Mr Zimbabwe, body-building icon Bible Mhizha, Shamim Adams of Shamim Classic in Cape Town and the blessings from NFZBBF president Kenny Murugweni and the whole national executive members have been encouraging.
“I have also received sponsorship from Saltrama Plastics, Arc 360, Pro Fitness health clubs, KM Auctions, Impact Academy, Zimoco, NFZBBF and doors are still open to those interested in supporting me.”
NFZBBF spokesperson Quiet Shangai said the Marume Classic was on their 2017 calendar.
Marume is a six-time holder of Mr Ironman and runs a very successful boot camp for fitness enthusiasts at Alex Sports Club in Harare.
Online Reporter