CrossFit and powerlifting takes off in Uganda
Feb 19, 2018
The relatively new sport in the country attracted three competitors
South African based power lifter Roy Mubiru is determined to ensure there is continuity in the sport after organising the first ever CrossFit and powerlifting championship in Naalya on Saturday.
The relatively new sport in the country attracted three competitors; Brenda Nakato, Derrick Mwanje and Daniel Kalungi at the Marcos Gym in Kyaliwajjala.
Nakato completed 95reps in all drills, in 54:20.16 micro seconds to finish third behind Mwanje who completed 253 reps in all categories in 51:57.53 and Kalungi who made 150 reps in all drills in 52:38.50 to finish first and second respectively.
The cross fitness categories include warm ups of 50reps, pushups, squat jumps, weighted sit-ups , box jump and pushups, kettle bell swing and clean and jerk that tests one's endurance over a set time.
"We are trying to take powerlifting and cross fit to the next level by creating new stars who should get world rankings with consistent competitions, because some of us are now retiring. We also want to organize an East African Arnold Classic Championship in May, and if all goes well we want Arnold Schwarzenegger to be around and see the steps we are taking to build the game," Mubiru stated.
Brenda Nakato completes weighted sit-ups during the inaugural CrossFit championship
He said they will soon take the sport to districts, schools and university to give them a chance to compete against themselves as a way of tapping talent.
In powerlifting, Jonathan Ogwang lifted a total of 585kgs with Zubair Karim (570kgs) and Ivan Masakwa (560kgs) coming second and third respectively.
Juddith Alberto (270kgs), Brenda Nakato (185kgs) and Maureen Ssonko (145kgs) were the top ladies in powerlifting while the top three in the disabled category were Babu Baabumba (125kgs), Billy Ssengendo (125kgs) and Amili Kapere (40kg).
Paralympics Vaster Kyalimpa and Rosebell Kikomeko made 50 and 40kgs respectively.
The event was sponsored by Marcos gym, Kwese sports, Power Horse, Spena Beach, Meddie Muscle and Lukwago fitness gyms.