Bodybuilder Ivan Byekwaso has his mind set on winning gold as he jets out to compete in the amateur Natural Body Building World Olympiad in the US.
Ivan Byekwaso
The World Natural Body Building and Fitness Championship silver medallist believes he can better his feat with a gold after preparing well for the event due November 7-9.
“I’m grateful for the ministry of sports for getting me a ticket to travel but I’m still short of money for upkeep and accommodation. I have proved that I’m among the best and I’m going there to make my country proud,” Byekwaso stated after a morning workout at the Hotel African gym on Saturday.
“I have won several local events and it is time to test myself against the world’s best; I have prepared well and I promise that I will come back with gold,” Byekwaso said.
Byekwaso who will compete in the 178cm men’s category will travel with his manager Kamal Sabuni and sports commissioner Omara Apitta.
“President Museveni promised to support us but he has been busy but we are optimistic that by Sunday his offer will come through to enable us travel on Tuesday, we need close to $11,000 (sh29m)” Sabuni said.
He praised Byekwaso for his charisma, patience and hard work that has seen him scale the heights in the sport.
“The Olympiad is big business, whatever he wins there will be a big boost because he is the first African to get there and the experience he gains there will help him even do better at next year’s World Championships in Dubai and at the Mr. Universe championship which he will also compete in,” Sabuni said.
By Michael Nsubuga, The New Vision