Ulaya Classic preps gain momentum

Preparations for the inaugural Ulaya Classic Body-building Competition have gained momentum following the identification of 40 provisional participants.

Charles Ulaya, who is the organiser of the event scheduled to be staged in September this year, said the body builders have been identified in Zomba, Blantyre and Lilongwe and more are expected to be chosen in Mzuzu later this week.

“We expect to have 30 body-builders who will compete in different categories and between end June and early July, we will conduct a prejudging session to identify those that will be fully fit to take part in the competition,” he said.

Ulaya, himself a former body-builders association president, said the competition will be unique in that it will attract record prizes.

“Talks with potential sponsors are already at an advanced stage and although I cannot divulge the exact figures, I can confidently give my word that the prizes will be worth it.

“We have also given the body builders about five months for intensive preparations which include providing them with training videos from Chris Gethin, who is one of the revered trainers in the world. So, we expect an exciting event,” he said.

One of the Blantyre-based body-builders Emmanuel ‘MuscleManze’ Mihuwa said he cannot wait for the event.

“I am preparing myself both psychologically and physically. On the psychological aspect, it is about visualising my success  because a potential champion  needs to understand the importance of positive mental imagery like how I want my body to look,” he said.