19 May 2016

While thousands of amateur athletes prepare to join elite competitors from around the world at the Arnold Classic Africa, a special group of individuals are ready to play a key role at the three-day sports festival at Sandton Convention Centre between 27-29 May.

With over 10 000 athletes turning out in 47 codes, and over 30 000 people expected to attend the unique event, hundreds of people have committed to lending a crucial hand to ensure its success.

Over 1 200 applications were received for the volunteer programme at the inaugural festival, which includes indoor and outdoor activities, as well as the Health and Fitness Expo.

After applicants were screened during a two-week interview process, 817 trained volunteers are expected to turn out at training sessions over the next two weekends at Johannesburg Stadium.

Says Arnold Classic Africa partner Wayne Price: "The success of an event of this magnitude relies largely on the support of a large group of people. In order to ensure the festival and expo achieve their potential we require human resources to assist in various ways throughout the festival, including setting things up before visitors arrive and cleaning up after they have left. The response from eager volunteers has been overwhelming, and we are grateful to each person who has offered their time to assist us. We thank them in advance for their efforts."

The Arnold Classic Africa is held in partnership with the Gauteng provincial government and the SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC).

The festival forms part of an international series founded and supported by bodybuilding legend, actor and politician Arnold Schwarzenegger, who will be in attendance at the event.