The competition is aimed at first-time contestants. Zimbabwe National Bodybuilding and Fitness spokesperson, Quiet Shangai, said the enthusiasm displayed by the upcoming bodybuilders had been amazing.
“They are excited about the prospects of participating. We are giving them the platform to realize their true potential,” said Shangai.
He said this was a developmental competition and a number of the country’s top bodybuilders had been discovered in the Mr and Miss Novice competition. These include Zumaila Meman and Chenai Mabwere, who both took part in 1992 and went on to win major national events. Meman went on to win the Mr Ironman competition, while the same year, Mabwere won the Mr Mashonaland contest. Five years later, he became Mr Botswana and Mr Zimbabwe.
Some of the would-be participants, including Tangai Chiruka, Menard Muzondiwa and Lewisa Muchapera, promised to give their best shot. The Mr Novice will this year be the build-up to the Mr Ironman, slated for June 7.
Bodybuilding does not have much public appeal locally, but remains one of the few sporting disciplines that do not suffer from sponsorship problems. Zimbabwe plays host to other top competitions like the Mr and Miss Ironman, Mr Musclemania and the Mr Zimbabwe, which has drawn participants from as far afield as Nigeria, Ivory Coast and Ghana.
Post published in: Sport