Schwarzenegger talks about his love for South Africa
SANDTON — Second annual Arnold sports festival proves to be a winning success.
“South Africa has some of the most sophisticated regimens and health plans”, said Arnold Schwarzenegger at the second annual Arnold Sports Festival series took place from 5 to 7 May in Sandton.
By hosting the continental leg of the festival, South Africa has been able to retain its place among the leading health and fitness nations in Africa, according to world renowned personality, Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Speaking at a seminar, Schwarzenegger said, “You have everything here that we have in the USA and that is what this expo has been about, having everyone in this country see what is going on internationally with regards to dietary supplements, equipment and various other things.”
Schwarzenegger interacted with fans and exhibitors at the health and fitness trade expo. The seven-time Mr Olympia also started a fun run which attracted hundreds of runners and gave support to the various sportsmen.
The sports festival, which attracted thousands of competitors in 58 codes, came to an exciting close on Sunday night when the World Wrestling Professionals stars dazzled spectators with their high-flying acrobatic moves in the ring.
One of six events in the global Arnold Classic series, the Arnold Classic Africa was held in partnership with the Gauteng provincial government, the City of Joburg and the SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc).
READ Schwarzenegger in Sandton for three-day sports festival
Multiple African open records were set in the log lift competition, which was held in front of a large crowd in the indoor arena. Local contenders Ryno Bosch and Dewald van Deventer both lifted 110kg, in the U-90 and U-80 weight divisions respectively. Among the women, Brooke Sousa of the United States lifted 100kg in the open women’s category, while South African Brendali Theron picked up 80kg in her division.
Schwarzenegger said of South Africa, “I came here when I was 19-years-old to train with my idol Rich Parks and that is when I fell in love with this country. When it came time to suggest which country in Africa should host this event my immediate answer was South Africa. It is spectacular the progress this country has made and I want to congratulate everyone.”
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