2023 Arnold Classic Africa to return to Ruimsig Athletics Stadium in May
The multi-sport festival is an international platform for athletes of all codes to showcase their talents.
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Sports lovers are to prepare for the return of the ultimate gathering of athletic excellence.
Ruimsig Athletics Stadium will again be hosting the Arnold Classic Africa (ACA), a three-day multi-sport celebration of form and fitness. From 19 to 21 May, the stadium precinct will be transformed into a cauldron of competition, featuring almost 50 sporting codes, 12 types of fitness classes, and multiple children’s activities. To crank up the excitement, very credible rumours are circling that the icon the event is named after will be in attendance.
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Last year’s event was held in the lingering shadow of the global health panic but despite those challenges, organisers pulled off an outstanding event.
“This year everybody is hosting bigger events and we have a lot more interesting activations happening. The community of Ruimsig will be pleasantly surprised and can enjoy a full day of family fun and entertainment,” said Michelle Price from Gentle Giant Promotions.
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Among the mainstays of the International Federation of BodyBuilding and Fitness (IFBB) bodybuilders, CrossFit, powerlifting, and the cream of the combat sports crop, sports fanatics can look forward to monster trucks, slap fighting, wrestling, a car sound exhibition, live entertainment, a beer tent and so much more. High octane brawn is not the only dish on the menu as lawn bowls, line dancing, chess, and drum majorettes will all be making an appearance.
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“The event’s main goal is to introduce new sports and activities to families. In general, our lives are taken over daily by electronic and digital activities and work. With this in mind visitors, young and old can come to enjoy the weekend filled with interesting new sports and activities to occupy or focus their interest on something new. ACA is known for the slogan ‘My Sport. My Art. My Passion’,” explained Michelle.
The organisational muscle behind the event is former strongman, Wayne Price, whose mission is to give South African athletes an international platform.
“The smaller sports are experiencing all the same challenges. Having all the sports and activities together at one venue over three days allows sports to introduce and grow their sport not only to visitors and kids but also major exposure to sponsors because of the thousands of people attending,” said Wayne.
The sport-loving Ruimsig and greater Roodepoort community will be blessed to have the event right on their doorstep. There will be the added economic benefit to tourism, local hotels, guesthouses, and businesses as athletes from across the country and the world descend on the area.
Pumped for a spectacular three days, Wayne urged, “We invite all the families, schools, and everyone to come to enjoy the weekend full of action. Let’s get active.”