By Tendai Chisiri
After two tears of absence due to Covid-19 induced lockdown, Marume Classic Bodybuilding and Fitness competition returns to Zimbabwe College of Music in Harare on Saturday with stiff competition anticipated.
Marume Classic Bodybuilding and Fitness competition in its 4th edition has the Men’s Open Bodybuilding, Men’s Physique, Men’s Fitness Open, Junior Men’s Bodybuilding and the Women’s Bikini Open Categories.
In an interview, Marume Classic founder Givemore Marume said he started the contest as a way of giving back to the bodybuilding and fitness industry. ” Having been in the sport for quite a number of years, I saw it fit to share my experience by organisng an event like this in our country and support the existing shows which are already there”, he said.
He also said Covid-19 pandemic affected very much the sporting industry with some athletes unable to come back and compete ” It was a huge draw back. The Marume Classic event had picked its momentum and when the gyms closed, it was painful. However it was such life for everyone during that time”, he said.
“What happened really affected sporting industry because certain athletes who were in their prime did not manage to come back. Because of Covid-19 difficulties faced during the pandemic, some athletes were not able to return”, he added.
“My ambition is to grow the brand to be regionally. Already its showing potential since we have athletes from also Zambia coming to participate and this year we have some from Botswana”, revealed Marume.
He said by taking part in the Marume Classic contest, winning athletes get prizes that include money, supplements, also have sponsors identified for them and an opportunity to go and compete at an international competition called Arnold Classic held every year in South Africa.
The National Federation of Zimbabwe Bodybuilding and Fitness (NFZBBF) secretary general Quiet Shangai said this year’s event seems stiff in terms of competition as last year’s winner Nunurai Masosonere is also available.
‘ Stiff completion is around Noah Dvokora, Nunurai Masosonere and the Zambians. The Zambians are tricky opponents in Open Bodybuilding”, he said.
In the Bikini category, he tipped Nantamsanga Phiri, the Zambians , Shantel or Shyleen Nyathi to make it and said it was going to be epic.
He did not t have favourites in the Men’s Physique as he said the division is quite tricky and unpredictable.
He is looking forward to a succeful event. “Covid-19 had a serious impact on the fitness industry because gyms were closed. However, people have been training and I believe we are in for a good show come Saturday”, said Shangai
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