11 April 2016

In addition to numerous prestigious titles being placed up for grabs at the inaugural Arnold Classic Africa, elite athletes will also compete for lucrative cash prizes at Sandton Convention Centre, in Johannesburg, between 27-29 May.

In one of the most anticipated contests of the festival, hosted by seven-time Mr Olympia Arnold Schwarzenegger, some of the world’s top bodybuilders will turn out in a pro contest with a total prize purse of R1.5 million on the line, of which 3 athletes are South African’s.

Competitions will be held in the men's open and women's fitness divisions, with local stars being given a rare opportunity to participate at the highest level on home soil.

An amateur bodybuilding competition will also be held with participants from several international countries.

Meanwhile, some of the world's strongest men, including well-known international personalities, will lift cars, pull trucks and flip tyres as they compete for the Arnold Classic Africa title and R800 000 in cash.

In the amateur category, three divisions will be held for 105kg men, open men and women.
In the beach volleyball contest, a social five-a-side tournament will be held between mixed teams, with R30 000 up for grabs to the champions.

Second place will take home R8 000 and third position receives R4 000.

A Pro 2 volleyball event will also be held (by invite only) with the top three teams receiving R15 000, R7 000 and R4 000 respectively.

The nation's top 30 billiard players in the domestic Premier League, as well as the First and Second divisions, will go head to head in a knockout format for a R10 000 prize.

Charl Jonck, aiming for his third straight Blackball Premier League Showdown title, will spearhead the line-up.

His strongest challenges are expected to come from teenage prodigy Aiden Joseph, the national champion who was last year's runner-up at the BPL Showdown at the Rand Show, World Blackball Championship silver medallist Paul Bennett, reigning BPL Premier League champion Yulan Govender, and All Africa Blackball singles title holder Ishmael Mathethwa.

"While we're provide opportunities for amateur athletes in multiple codes and events to compete for titles, including thousands of youths, we are also proud to offer prizes which will attract some of the world's most renowned athletes to compete against local stars," says Wayne Price, Arnold Classic Africa partner.

“We believe what has been described as everyday recreational sport will never be the same again especially in Gauteng. The spectacle not only provides athletes with opportunity to learn from the best but also allows for the growth and support of various sporting activities on display.  Gauteng is ready for the games and ready to welcome the world, says Gauteng MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and recreation Faith Mazibuko.

Held in partnership with the Gauteng provincial government and the SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc), the festival will host over 10 000 athletes in 47 sports and events, and also includes a three-day Health and Fitness Expo.