African Bodybuilding championship opens in Accra

February 25, 2011
Accra, Feb. 25, GNA - The 10th edition of African bodybuilding 'Mr Africa' Championship takes off in Accra on Friday night with an assurance that the sport is for total fitness and that age is not a hindrance since it helps to balance the human system.

The Vice President of the African Federation of Body Building, Mr Soye Elekima said this in Accra on Friday at a press briefing and pre-judging and weighing of contestants from Ghana, Nigeria, Benin and Cote D'Ivoire for the championship.

Mr Elekima said bodybuilding is not only about building of muscles but that it ensures a healthy life-style necessary for the growth of men.

He said people of African descend have a comparative advantage in the sport because they are well endowed with fitness that helps them to increase their strength.

Mr Elekima who is also President of the Nigerian Federation therefore called on the youth to and middle aged to endeavour to participate in the sport since it has so many health advantages for the well-being of all.

Mr Abdul-Hayye Yartey, President of Ghana Bodybuilding Fitness Association said bodybuilding is a healthy sport and therefore appealed to stakeholders to lend their support with the needed resources to make the sport develop to meet international standards.

He said the Association, have over the years been able to draw an agenda to draw public attention and interest of bodybuilding in the country and said there is the need to disabuse the minds of the public that the sport is physical rather than recreational.

Mr Yartey said the country has been able to compete and annex a number of medals in international competitions since 2007 and which has put the country on the limelight of potentials in bodybuilding.

He said the sport is an exercise that helps in keeping people in good health and good shape and encouraged the public to undertake frequent exercises to prolong their life-styles.

Mr Worlanyo Agra, Chief Executive Officer of the National Sports Council commended members of the Association for developing and encouraging the development of the sport in the country and promised the Council's support for its advancement.

GNA