Kukoma, Sports Complex to spoil next Mr Malawi

Manufacturers of Kukoma cooking oil, Cori, and College of Medicine (CoM) Sports Complex have partnered Weightlifting and Bodybuilding Association of Malawi (Wabam) ahead of the 2018 Mr. Malawi Bodybuilding Championship in November.

During a pre-contract signing ceremony in Blantyre on Wednesday, Cori sponsorship manager Muhammad Shiraz Ahmed said through their Kukoma brand, they will provide the eventual champion with a yet-to-be-disclosed monthly stipend for a year while Sports Complex head of sporting activities Cathrew Chimimba said his institution will offer free gym membership to both the winner and his family.

Sports Complex will also make the champion its ambassador and provide a free venue for the annual competition.

When asked the reason behind Kukoma support, Ahmad said:  “Bodybuilding is a sport that promotes good lifestyle, which includes having a good and balanced diet. And a balanced diet is possible when one cooks their food with Kukoma cooking oil. That’s the reason we are in this partnership.”

On his part, Chimimba said the Sports Complex’s support acts as a “thank you” to the country’s bodybuilders for using their gym.

“As you know, most of the country’s bodybuilders use our gym and we need to thank them in a special way. Moreover, Mr Malawi would be the ideal ambassador,” he said.

Wabam general secretary Harold Mwayang’ana, who was accompanied by technical director Arox Kamng’ona, said they are happy that the corporate world has started supporting the championship and urged other companies to follow suit.

He said registration of athletes wishing to compete in the contest will be done in October.

Last year, 48 contestants took part in the event that saw Emmanuel Muhuwa grabbing the Mr. Malawi title.