A family fun 5km run or walk, dance competition, bodybuilding show and performances by DJs Sippy and TBozz are but a few of the exciting events to be enjoyed on the public holiday, Monday, 2 May at the Uitenhage Cricket Club in support of disabled bodybuilder Macethandile “Max” Kulati who will be participating in an international event in Slovenia.
Max the wheelchair bodybuilder champion from the impoverished Moeggesukkel, Kariega, has been selected to represents South Africa at the International Bodybuilding Federation World (IBBF) championship in Koper, Slovenia, on 4th June 2022.
“We previously have held a successful raffle, a hike as well as bingo in support of Max, and this family fun day on Monday will be our final event to help raise funds for him to be able to represent South Africa at the world champs in Slovenia,” said Maureen Pullen, one of the fundraising organisers supporting Max.
“Part of the funds went towards his muscle-building supplements. We can’t send a lean Max to Slovenia; he has to improve his physical condition and enhance his muscle growth.”
According to Max, his preparations are going well, “and my body is responding very well to the exercises and supplements. I love what I am doing. I will be in KZN this week as a guest poser and to tell my story.”
Max had an unfortunate surgery procedure during 2014 which left him partially paralysed. He realized he needed to transform his negative thoughts to be more constructive. To find pride in himself again, he started with powerlifting in 2019 and soon became a South African champion.
By mid-2021 he bade farewell to powerlifting and started with bodybuilding. He was crowned SA champion at his first ever bodybuilding event and qualified for the IBBF world championships in Slovenia.
According to Dr Arnold Johannes, a former educator of Max and now one of his loyal supporters, “I am super excited. To be able to see what one can do in terms of contributing to somebody else’s happiness brings joy to my heart. Seeing how the community’s support has helped and transformed Max sparks the enthusiasm to want to do even more.”
Elvida Klue, another supporter of Max, agreed with what Dr Johannes said. “It is a passion of mine to help another, irrespective of who it is. It brings so much joy, because helping another has a ripple effect and that is what we need in our community.”
- The entry fee to participate in the fun run or walk is R30 per person and the action starts at 07:30 at the Uitenhage Cricket Club (opposite the Uitenhage Indoor Sport Centre). Other activities of the day include donkey cart rides, foodstalls, games, a modelling show and lots of lucky draws and prizes. For more information contact Maureen at 073 604 5596, Elvida 072 277 9623 or Arnold 081 270 2631.
