Anambra State-born Mr Flex Heavy weight athlete, Chibueze Okolo, has appealed to government at all levels, organisations and individuals to promote the development of Mr Flex & Fitup competitions in the country, so that athletes could compete favourably with their counterparts abroad.
He also appealed for sponsorship to assist him in his chosen career (Flex and Fitup) so he could achieve his dream of attaining a greater height in the field.
Okolo, who finished 4th at the just concluded “Gathering of Champions Mr Flex& Fit up Nigeria” ,held on Sunday, November 7,2021 in Abuja, said that he would have done better if he had sponsors.
The young athlete who hails from Isiagu, Awka South Local Government area of Anambra State, said he won the competition in his area and went to Abuja for the national competition.
He said he wished to develop his talents and represent the country in international competitions, hence, the appeal.
Speaking also, the National coordinator MR FLEX NIGERIA, Stephen A. Okolie-Odene, said the maiden edition of Mr Flex Nigeria competion was held in Lagos at Rockview Hotels Apapa, on September 28, 2011.
“This edition is the ninth edition, the programme has gone through many phases, and challenges.
“The aim is to build youths that will represent the country both in the world and African championships. Another aim is to make Nigeria a body-building nation.
“Today, we are affiliate members of World Fitness Federation and National Amature Bodybuilding Association.
“Another aim is to eliminate miscreants and hooliganism from the society”, Okolie-Odene said.
The national coordinator disclosed that they had produced champions who are doing well abroad.
“By the grace of God, we have produced lots of athletes who have represented the country in different world championships and won laurels”.
Okolie-Odene, however, lamented that the athletes left the country out of frustration.
“They also have left because of lack of support and they are doing well in the country of their abode”, he said.
“The future of the championship is bright but the major challenge we have is sponsorship. This is a sport where athletes use their own money for logistics while representing the country.
“It is high time Ministry of Sports woke up. I approached various levels of government, no success yet”.
