The Charman’s All Races Gym is in need of sponsors to upgrade the conditions of the building and its training equipment.
Jale Colata, who was a former Mr Fiji in body-building and also was a men’s masters over-50 champion, said the gym was very old and required upgrades.
“This gym was established in 1953 by a former England soldier, Harry Charman, who named it after himself,” he said.
“It was through fundraising across Fiji that he managed to build the gym and its equipment that aimed to cater for everyone irrespective of the sports they played. If you look around this gym, most of this equipment has been here since its establishment.
“We are pleading with business communities and corporate companies to please come and help us with the gym’s need.”
Colata said with the demand from individuals who worked in town and gym members, they really needed an extreme makeover for the place.
Powerlifting Fiji president Iliesa Irava, who is also a committee member of the gym, reiterated the same sentiments and said the old house at Kimberly St in Suva had produced world champions.
“If only the business communities and corporate companies come in and do some upgrades in both the building and gym equipment, it will help the members in a great way,” he said.
Some of the former members of the gym who made it to the top of Fiji’s body-building champions list are Vilitati Qumivutia, Sivinia Koroi, Tiko Bucakonadi and Mohammed Buksh, who is now in Canada, Inoke Ligairi, Ben Saqata, Colata and Willie Wendt to name a few.
In the powerlifting category, Irava, Joseph Harigyan, Emosi Baleinuku, and Seinimili Turner also are from the same gym.
The gym opens every day to the public with an admission fee or visit them for more information.
