Eastern Cape's Champion Wheelchair Bodybuilder Triumphantly Retains his Title

In an atmosphere teeming with exhilaration and pride, the Chief Dawid Stuurman Airport in Gqeberha greeted its hero, Max Kulati, South Africa's first professional wheelchair bodybuilder, as he returned from successfully defending his title at the International Federation of Body Building and Fitness (IBFF) 2023 World Championship in Slovenia.

Max Kulati, 34, hails from Kariega, Eastern Cape. His zest for bodybuilding didn't waver after an unfortunate accident at his workplace in 2014 left him wheelchair-bound. Despite his physical limitations, the resilient Kulati reshaped adversity into triumph, quickly rising through national and international ranks in the world of wheelchair bodybuilding.

Adding to the wave of elation, Chippa United Football Club announced they would be contributing a wholesome R400,000 to build a comfortable home for the champion bodybuilder. The club expressed that they wanted to upgrade Kulati from his shack in Moeggesukkel to a home conducive for an athlete with special needs.

This generous initiative was expedited by Nomakhosazana Meth, the Health MEC, who shared Kulati's living hardships with the football club's management. Alongside this, an additional donation of R100,000 was made by Standard Bank for Kulati to furnish his newly built home.

Overwhelmed with gratitude for the community's stalwart support and for the newfound hope for improved living conditions, Kulati pledged to inspire and uplift younger generations in his community. Firmly setting his sights on the top, Kulati also confirmed his intent to further his stellar achievements by defending his title once again next year and aspiring to win the coveted IFBB Mr. Universe title in Italy.