By joining an early morning forest hike of only 4.5km you will contribute to a fundraising event, in support of partially disabled Macethandile “Max” Kulati, the wheelchair bodybuilder champion from the impoverished Moeggesukkel, Kariega, who has been selected to represent South Africa at the International Bodybuilding Federation World Championship in Koper, Slovenia on 4th June 2022.
“I wish I could have joined the hike, but my wheelchair will not fit the narrow footpath,” said Max, who is partially paralysed from the waist down after a failed medical procedure earlier in his life.
After this unfortunate incident, he soon realized he needs to transform his negative thoughts to be more constructive. To find pride in himself again, he started with powerlifting and soon became a South African champion. By mid-2021 he bade farewell to powerlifting and said, “My future lies in bodybuilding; it has brought new meaning to my life.”
Max’s path crossed those of over 40 IBFF SA champion and former world champion Rochelle van der Bank and Rene Shear, both from Mossel Bay. This is also where last year he competed in the IBFF Southern Cape Spring Classic and won in his category. At the IBFF World Cup, which was held in Gauteng during October 2021, Max was the runner-up in his category and as part of his prize, received a super light state-of-art wheelchair which he refers to as his “Ferrari”.
“One of the main changes I had to adapt to, changing from powerlifting to bodybuilding and to prepare for Slovenia, was to gain weight. I started off weighing only 76kg, but through hard work and lots of nutrients and supplements I now weigh 85kg.”
According to Maureen Pullen, an organiser of the fund-raising hike in support of Max, “Time is slowly running out to make sure it will be possible for Max to show his muscle talent at the world champs in Slovenia. We really depend on our community’s support.”
From avid hikers to families are invited to join this special Van Stadens Forest Walk hike on Saturday, 5 March. The cost is R100 per person (children under the age of 12 years may join the hike at no charge). Participants can meet on the morning of the event at the Metro Gym, Caledon Street at 06:30 to travel by convoy to Van Stadens Wildflower Reserve, or they can meet at the reserve.
- To confirm participation in the hike call Maureen Pullen at 073 604 5596 or Dr. Arnold Johannes at 081 270 2631.
