HARARE - Aspiring bodybuilders will get a chance to make a statement in the sport when the Mr and Ms Novice contest takes place in Harare next weekend.
The traditional bodybuilding calendar season opener will be staged at the newly established Bodytech Gym situated along Chinhoyi Street in the CBD featuring athletes under the age of 21.
About 30 male seniors have confirmed their participation with 10 registering for the juniors section while only three females have shown interest to muscle it out at Bodytech.
Garikayi Mujuru, who won the Mr Novice title last year, has set his sights on competing with the seniors after placing third in the light weight division at Mr and Ms Zimbabwe contest last November.
The Novice junior was won by Endurance Chipere during the contest held at the Country Club in Highlands.
Harare Bodybuilding and Fitness Association spokesperson Quiet Shangai explained the importance of Mr and Ms Novice.
“This competition is meant for newcomers, people who have never competed before,” Shangai told the Daily News.
“It is a developmental show and a very important step in every bodybuilder’s journey. Notable athletes who have entered this contest on their road to success include former 2007 Mr Zimbabwe and Mr Botswana Chenai Mabwere, several Ironman title holder Zumailer Eusen Maman, Eddie Marondera current Mr Jade and former Mr Manicaland Brighton Mazikana.
“Reigning Ms Ironman Regina Jonga won the Ms Novice title in 2012.”
The registration fee for the athletes has been pegged at US$5 and the contestants will be expected to bring their original and photocopy of national identification particulars while the entrance fee to the show is US$2.