Allen Khumalo, Sports Reporter
THE National Federation of Zimbabwe Bodybuilding and Fitness (NFBF) has offered Bulawayo’s Body Works Gym the rights to host the Mr and Ms Iron Man 2017 to be held in June.
This will mark the first time this event would be held in Bulawayo, as it has always been staged in Harare.
Body Works Gym manager Donavan Ashborne said preparations for the competition had already started and bodybuilding enthusiasts should expect an exciting tournament.
“This is such a huge honour, not only for us as Body Works Gym, but the whole of Bulawayo because it will be the first time for the city to host the event. The honour comes after we successfully hosted the Classics Body Works competition last month,” said Ashborne.
“Preparations have already begun because we want to leave a mark. This is the second biggest bodybuilding competition in the country after Mr Zimbabwe and we want to make it a memorable event that will lure other competitions to Bulawayo in future.”
He said the event would open new avenues for local athletes by exposing them to a more competitive bodybuilding and fitness environment. Such events, Ashborne said, would also broaden local bodybuilders’ discipline and character on and off the stage, which is invaluable to their future endeavours.
Body Works Gym will also host the Mr and Ms Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), Mr Bulawayo and Body Works Classics in 2017.
Bodybuilders from around the country will face off in various divisions, which include senior men bodybuilding open, junior men Under-23 bodybuilding, junior men Under-20 men physique open, men’s fitness open, women bikini fitness open, women figure open and men wheelchair bodybuilding open.
@khumzallen