To try to develop the sport of weightlifting, Nick Gindre from Lifters of Gauteng will be hosting a weightlifting competition at Barbell 1610.
Besides developing the sport, the competition hopes to raise funds for a Soweto-based weightlifting academy which is operated out of somebody’s backyard.
It is to be held on February 29 at 4 Engwena Street.
Funds raised from the competition will be used to create a new training facility for the gym and purchase new equipment.
“Lifters of Gauteng want to provide them with all the necessary equipment and support for the next two years to sustain this academy,” said Gindre.
He said in Soweto drugs are a big problem, so children need a place like a weightlifting gym to train at and keep busy.
Gindre said the majority of the funds will be used for the construction of the facility.
The 41.37 square metre garden needs to be levelled and will require a fair amount of landscaping and a level cement surface to be laid.
The goal is to set up a large shipping container gym in the backyard that is easy to lock and will provide security against theft.
Besides the training facilities, Lifters of Gauteng want to build a small kitchenette where non-perishable food items and supplements can be prepared.
Gindre explained that this will be done to try to prevent children from going home with empty stomachs.
Next on the list of plans is to construct an outside bathroom with a toilet and shower.
“A portion of the funds will be allocated to their participation in competitions for the next two years.”
Gindre said the funds will be held by BackaBuddy while quotes, invoices and all other necessary paperwork is obtained.
For more information about the competition or how you can assist phone Gindre on 074 105 4689.
