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THE country’s representatives to the 2016 Arnold Classic Africa might have to endure travelling to South Africa by bus as the National Federation of Zimbabwe Bodybuilding and Fitness is struggling to raise air fares.
The week-long extravaganza comes to life on may 27 in Johannesburg.
Zimbabwe intends to send a 25-member team to the prestigious event but financial constraints could force the local governing body into dropping some bodybuilders.
NFZBBF spokesperson Quiet Shangai yesterday said they had told the athletes to craft their training regimes to accommodate the possibility of a road trip.
“Ideally, bodybuilders should have hassle free travelling to competitions so that they take to the stage in the best possible shape but sometimes this is not always possible,” he said.
“We are facing serious financial challenges that have left us with little option but to travel by road and carry along all the 25 athletes who have been called up for national duty.
“As the athletes are working hard in the gym in preparation for the Arnold Classic Africa competition we are also busy knocking on some doors seeking sponsorship.
“The responses we have been getting are mixed but we remain confident that we will raise the over $5000 that we need to get the full delegation to Johannesburg by road.
“We know that companies expect some mileage when they part with their hard earned dollar and as an organisation we have a package that will see us helping those corporates in carrying their brands to the market.”
Shangai said Zimbabwe stood to reap massive rewards from participating in the Arnold Classic Africa.
“Attending this event will change the face of Zimbabwe bodybuilding. The experience is very necessary if we are to turn our bodybuilding and fitness industry professional.
“Remember, Zimbabwe has the second best administered fitness industry after South Africa in the region and the main difference is that SA is always attending these extravaganzas.
“We have to be part of this extravaganza at all cost. There will be seminars conducted by legends such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, IFBB vice-president and executive assistant to IFBB President, Dr Raphael Santonya and 2008 Mr Olympia Dexter Jackson among others,” he said.
With reigning Mr Zimbabwe Champion Chienderamwano sidelined by a shoulder injury, the onus to lead the team falls on veteran Isaac “Sugar” Chimuchenga. Regina Jonga is easily the finest among the female bodybuilders in the team.
The Arnold Classic Africa is an annual multi-sport festival held in honour of the legendary IFBB professional bodybuilder and actor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Arnold Classic Africa is one of the six famous Arnold Classic weekends which include Arnold Classic USA, Arnold Classic Asia, Arnold Classic Europe, Arnold Classic Brazil and Arnold Classic Australia.
The weekends are rated as the second biggest bodybuilding and fitness championships after Mr and Ms Olympia.
Team Zimbabwe
Isaac Chimuchenga, Blessing Samaringa, Blessing Nyapimbi, Edison Marondera, Tarirai Chirume, Brighton Mazikana, Vincent Kandiyero, Ndumiso Dlodlo, Garikayi Mujuru, Lovemore Munyamana, Tawanda Choga, Raymond Mutandiri, Michael Shonhiwa, Precious Mujuru, Demmi Ferreira, Sally Lapage, Jonathan Miller, Luke Gilmour, Ramona Fransch, Prosper Saungweme, Gift Sango, Simbarashe Godwin Mhaka, Crofton Murombo, Regina Jonga
Online Reporter