Makana’s Mayor is so taken with the idea of a bodybuilding club aiming to discourage local youth from unhealthy habits and crime that he’s offering R30 000 to get it off the ground.
Makana’s Mayor is so taken with the idea of a bodybuilding club aiming to discourage local youth from unhealthy habits and crime that he’s offering R30 000 to get it off the ground.
Executive Mayor Zamuxolo Peter announced this at the informal launch of the Albany Natural Body Building and Fitness Club on Saturday morning.
Held at the old ambulance station on the corner of Currie and Fitzroy streets, people interested in joining the club and committee members managed to convince the Mayor that it has lots of potential.
Even Ward 3 Councillor Marcelle Booysen is backing the new club, optimistic that it can help combat crime and illicit behaviour among young people in the area.
Booysen said she’s excited about the whole thing and because people in the area love sport, it will help keep them busy and off the street.
“Alcohol abuse and the use of tik are a very big and bad thing in the community, and we hope that this will help to get guys out of these bad habits,” said club chairperson Weston du Plessis.
The club also aims to promote the use of natural substances to build muscle, instead of using steroids. “The side effects of steroids are very bad – it affects your behaviour, your kidneys, your lungs,” said Tommy Murphy of the Eastern Province Natural Body Building Association, who gave a talk on nutrition at the launch.
“They put pressure on your heart and give you testicular problems.”
After talking with guests at the launch and making a few phone calls, the Mayor said he’s going to commit R30 000 to the club.
“With sport you can do anything. It is a critical activity that will unite our community and help people to move away from crime,” Peter said.
Two Grahamstown bodybuilders recently returned from a provincial competition with a trophy and a medal so the club looks like it has all the right people and plans to be a success.
Colonel Johan ‘Rocky’ Botha from the Grahamstown SAPS will train new members.
Club committee members include Weston Du Plessis (chairperson), Lesley Sauls (vice chairperson), Marcelle Booysen, Sipho Budaza and Saul Fourie.
The club is open to both men and women, and monthly fees will be between R10 and R50.
