Brothers and Sisters,

Not many bodybuilders know that bodybuilding is the fastest-growing sport in Afghanistan for both young and old, and that Arnold’s picture is on billboards and in gyms across every major city. To many young Afghans, Gov. Schwarzenegger embodies the values of discipline, goal-setting, and accomplishment. Kabul alone has over 100 gyms, many of them with equipment made from cinder blocks and old Russian tank parts. For many it is a way establish control in a life in which you may have little control. War has wracked this poverty-stricken country for 30 years.

It is a way to establish control, if nothing else, over your own body. As an American I was touched and moved by how hard they work, how little they have, and how they want to be known for something other than war: for health and clean living. For most Afghan bodybuilders, getting enough to eat, as with most people in this country, is a big problem. Therefore you do not see the size we are used to in other countries, but you do see the hard work and almost heart-breaking dedication. I have put together some links to interesting articles on this phenomenon, as well as links to some videos and documentaries. It is at the non-profit group’s website “Jobs for Afghans”, http://jobsforafghans.org. This was a real eye-opener for me.

Trailer to film documentary “Afghan Muscles” here:


Full special report at http://jobsforafghans.org