FOR SEVERAL YEARS WORLD BODYBUILDING CENTER WAS SLOVAKIA.
MAGNIFICENT WORKS OF MECENAT STEFAN HRCKA.
Somehow life runs so quickly and many events and happenings are around us. Let us remember great times of our sport. No other federation ever had so important historic International times. One of the moments of the World sport history were several years when Slovakian Mecenat STEFAN HRCKA together with the International W.F.F. - W.B.B.F. (World Fitness Federation, World Body Building Federation) federation organized International events in Slovakia and Austria.

2009 “UNIVERSE” IN SLOVAKIA.

LETTER OF PRIME MINISTER SLOVAKIA.

International W.F.F. - W.B.B.F. federation held the 2009 W.F.F. - W.B.B.F. „Universe“ contest at City Brusno Kupele (November 7, Slovakia).

Delegations of thirteen countries participated at the event - Slovakia, Czechia, Austria, Germany, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Hungary, United Kingdom, Ukraine, Poland, France, Venezuela.

The President Government Youth and Sport Committee and a Member Parliament Republic Slovakia DUSAN GALIS came to congratulate the participants and organizers of this important International Event.

Mr. DUSAN GALIS presented the congratulating letter of the Prime Minster Republic Slovakia ROBERT FICO to the President W.F.F. - W.B.B.F. International DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS.

INTERNATIONAL “HONOUR GOLD MEDAL”

PRESENT OF FORMER PRIME MINISTER SLOVAKIA.

The opening ceremony of the W.F.F. - W.B.B.F. „Universe“ was led by the former Prime Minister Republic Slovakia  VLADIMIR MECIAR.

In recognition of the great efforts to support the sport and fitness in the country  and internationally the President W.F.F. - W.B.B.F. International DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS awarded with the genuine “International Honour Gold Medal” Prime Minister Republic Slovakia Mr. VLADIMIR MECIAR. Before the holder of this High International Award was only the President Parliament Austria Professor ALFRED GERSTL.

Among the respectable audience present at the event were the Environment Minister Republic Slovakia JOZEF MEDVED, vice President special police forces Slovakia  Police General  Mr. JAROSLAV AMBROS.

During the 2009 W.F.F. - W.B.B.F. „Universe“ the Slovak organizers addressed the International Federation asking to hold the „Universe“ International again in 2010. They are ready to meet 400 participants giving them transport facilities, food and hotels. The exact date of the coming event was November 4-7 in the same place: Slovak Brusno Kupele.

The contest will last 5 days including the semi finals and Professional Contest. The organizers are ready to give 20 000 Euro for the Pros. The Pro Categories will be as follows: Bodybuilding Men, Bodybuilding Women, Fitness men and Model Fitness Women.

PRIME MINISTER SLOVAKIA. OFFICIAL MEETING.

INTERNATIONAL HONOUR GOLD MEDAL “ FOR ROBERT FICO.

When President W.F.F. - W.B.B.F. International DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS still was in Slovakia he received official invitation to meet Prime Minister Republic Slovakia ROBERT FICO.  DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS arrived to the Headquarters of the Prime Minister in Bratislava. During the meeting important questions of International and Slovakia sport were spoken. Slovakia State Chancellor FRANTISEK HATAR was present at the meeting too. The President W.F.F. - W.B.B.F. International DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS presented to ROBERT FICO the “International Honour Gold Medal”.

PRESIDENT OF PARLIAMENT VISITED INTERNATIONAL CONTEST.

There were two W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. International contests held in Slovakia in 2013 – that were World amateur and professional championships and „Universe“ competition. Since 2009 it was a tradition that all Slovakia International contests were organized by the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. International and Mecenat STEFAN HRCKA together. Competitions were held at the private historic mountain resort of STEFAN HRCKA in Brusno Kupele. The event was specific – the President Parliament Republic Slovakia JAN FIGEL visited competition. For long lasting popurarization of sport and fitness in Slovakia on the contest stage JAN FIGEL presented to the International W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. President DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS the Honour Diploma and Special Medal of the Parliament Republic Slovakia.

OFFICIAL VIZIT TO PARLIAMENT SLOVAKIA.

As it was mentioned above President Parliament Republic Slovakia JAN FIGEL visited 2013 W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. „Universe“ contest. During the visit JAN FIGEL invited International W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. President DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS to pay official visit to the Parliament Slovakia. Soon the visit to Parliament Headquarters in Bratislava was organized. DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS with JAN FIGEL discussed situation about sport and fitness in Slovakia and on International level.

PRIME MINISTER SLOVAKIA. OFFICIAL MEETING.

SECOND MEETING WITH ROBERT FICO.

Preparing the 2012 World Championship in Slovakia President W.F.F. - W.B.B.F. International DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS received official invitation to meet Prime Minister Republic Slovakia ROBERT FICO once again.  DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS arrived to the Headquarters of the Prime Minister in Bratislava. During the meeting important questions of International and Slovakia sport were spoken. Also at the meeting were present Mecenat STEFAN HRCKA adn W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Slovakia Official LUBOMIR MARTINKA. Prime Minister Republic Slovakia ROBERT FICO agreed to be the „Patron“ of the coming W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. World Championship.

SLOVAKIA PARLIAMENT AWARD COMES TO LITHUANIA.

Delegation of the Slovak W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. federation participated at the 2016 W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. World Championship held in Lithuania. W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. for noticable social work Slovakia Official LUBOMIR MARTINKA presented to the International W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. President DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS Award of the Paliament Republic Slovakia. The Award was signed by the Deputy Chairman of the National Council of Slovak Republic Mgr. Art. Andrej Hrnciar.

„AWARD

For worldwide fitness and bodybuilding development on the occasion of the World Championship in fitness and bodybuilding.

Deputy Chairman of the National Council of Slovak Republic

Mgr. Art. Andrej Hrnciar“.

OFFICIAL VISIT TO EMBASSY CUBA.

Seeking to develop relations with Ministry of Sport of Cuba, in 2011 Official Visit to the Embassy of Cuba in the Republic of Slovakia was organized. At the meeting with the Embassador of Cuba participated International W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. President DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS and W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Official STEFAN HRCKA. Possibilities to participate at the International W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. events of Cuba Sportsmen were spoken over.

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WE ARE CREATING WORLD SPORT HISTORY.

CHAIRMEN INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION VISITED PRESIDENT REPUBLIC LITHUANIA.

On January 22, 2026 International Chairmen of the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. (World Fitness Federation, World Bodybuilding Federation)  visited historic President of the Republic Lithuania Professor Dr. VYTAUTAS LANDSBERGIS.

Detailed historic article is on the way. Follow International Page www.wff.lt

OFFICIAL AND NOT OFFICIAL CZECHOSLOVAKIA.

MEETINGS AT SPORT MINISTRY.

BEGINNING. SITUATION IN SOCIALIST WORLD.

Bodybuilding sport has never been created and developed by athletes. Bodybuilding was developed by top officials and organizers. On the bodybuilding way to future organizers were building the road to sport. Bodybuilders were like kilometre signs at this road. Often organizers led bodybuilding wrong way. Today problems of bodybuilding are evident and guilty persons are known very well.

Contemporary bodybuilding does not appear as it is. Only few persons dared to act when bodybuilding was prohibited in Socialist Countries. Being afraid of prosecution nearly all bodybuilders left the sport.

We will speak about bodybuilding in Czechoslovakian SSR – they influenced all Socialist Countries. Now after fifty years we look upon our relations with Czechoslovaks from another angle.

Due to political reasons bodybuilding was prohibited in Socialist World in 1973. Socialist States started to prosecute bodybuilders. After 1968 revolution in Czechoslovakia their Government was lojal to bodybuilders. Comparing with other Socialist Countries after the revolution U.S.S.R. political powers let Czechoslovaks much more. At the same time bodybuilders in other Socialist Countries suffered much. Everybody envied the Czechoslovaks. There is no another person who was and still is close to Czechoslovak bodybuilding so much as President W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. (World Fitness Federation, World Bodybuilding Federation)  International DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS.

Activities of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS were supported only by the leader of bodybuilding in Estonian SSR INNAR MARDO (Иннар Мардо, 1945 – 2002) and creators of famous „Vilnius Bodybuilding School“ («Вильнюсская школа культуризма») CESLAV TAMULEVIC (Чеслав Тамулевич) and VITALIJ ASOVSKIJ (Виталий Асовский). Today we are proud that we respected both of them in time – at the Parliament Republic Lithuania both received „International Honour Silver Medals“ («Международной Серебрянной Медалью Почёта», „Tarptautinis Garbės Sidabro Medalis“).

During the prohibition of bodybuilding only few officially permitted not regular contests were held in Tallinn (Estonian SSR). That was the International „Georg Tenno Memorial“ („Georgo Tenno memorialas“, «Мемориал Георга Тенно», 1971 – 2024). Also at the same time several underground and not officially permitted contests were organized in Lithuanian SSR. It lasted until in 1978 DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS dared to write bodybuilding defending petition and brought it to Headquarters of the Central Committee of the U.S.S.R. Communist Party in Moscow.

This way we got political permittion to organize the International „Amber Prix“ („Gintarinis prizas“, «Янтарный приз»  1968 - 2025) in Klaipeda (Lithuania SSR) in 1978.

Being afraid of prosecution all other U.S.S.R. bodybuilding organizers did nothing. After defeat at 1974 „Georg Tenno Memorial“ best R.S.F.S.R. bodybuilder VLADIMIR DUBININ (Владимир Дубинин) isolated himself and left bodybuilding for thirteen years. Until 1987 VLADIMIR DUBININ was not among bodybuilding organizers, he was only athlete. Only in 1980 representing their gyms Russians led by VLADIMIR SUBOV (Владимир Шубов, Moscow) and EUGENE KOLTUN (Евгений Колтун, Tiumen) started participating at bodybuilding contests in Baltic Countries. Both were representing their bodybuilding gyms that were acting illegally.

IMPORTANT 1975. MEETINGS AT SPORT MINISTRY.

Bodybuilders went on their own way when bodybuilding was prohibited in Socialist Countries in 1973. There was no communication in between. Nearly no...

In 1975 bodybuilders of the Chechoslovakian SSR got permittion to participate in the „West“ due to efforts of the President of Czechoslovakia Bodybuilding Federation VOJTECH FIALA. After 1968 revolution in Czechoslovakian SSR Czechoslovaks had many advantages comparing with other Socialist Countries. This way led by VOJTECH FIALA Czechoslovakia bodybuilders participated at the 1975 I.F.B.B. (International Federation of Body Builders) Europe Championship. Then PETR STACH won his category and became the Over All Europe Champion. Since that time for long time on Czechoslovakia bodybuilders were the only ones permitted to participate at the „Western“ competitions.

In 1975 basing on the exchange of the University students DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS went to Czechoslovakia for two months. In Prague DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS met VOJTECH FIALA. During the following two months their meetings were often. Both had enough time to speak over the International bodybuilding situation. VOJTECH FIALA organized a visit to PETR STACH who was living close to Prague. PETR STACH told about the Europe Championship and explained DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS about his training systems and posed in front of him.

At the same time VOJTECH FIALA organized the meeting of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS with the Chairmen of the Ministry of sport of the Czechoslovakian SSR (Č.S.T.V., Československy Svaz Telesne Vychovy). Questions of the situation around bodybuilding was spoken over. VOJTECH FIALA wanted to demonstrate his good relations with the U.S.S.R. bodybuilding leaders and  since 1973 DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS was the only one to visit his country. Seeking to learn about the situation of bodybuilding in the U.S.S.R. Czechoslovaks addressed one of the U.S.S.R. bodybuilding pioneers GENADIJ BALDIN (Геннадий Балдин). GENADIJ BALDIN wrote them that bodybuilding in the U.S.S.R. is dead and only some bodybuilding organizers in the Baltic Countries still unofficially develop this sport on underground level.

1977 MEETINGS AT SPORT MINISTRY.

In 1977 still as a student of Vilnius State University DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS for two months went to Czechoslovakia again. Again working on the future cooperation between the U.S.S.R. and Czechoslovakian SSR bodubuilders DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS and VOJTECH FIALA visited the Monistry of Sport of  Czechoslovakian SSR. For the duscussion meetings with the Chairmen of the Monistry were organized. In 1977 Czechoslovakian bodybuilding Federation had a reeom at the Ministry. Secretary of the federation was a famous bodybuilder PETER TLAPAK. He presented the headquarters of the federation, discussed the situation and posed in front of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS.

VOJTECH FIALA for DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS organized a trip to a mountain resort where Czechoslovakia bodybuilders under support of the Government were preparing for the coming World Championship. DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS discussed various questions with athletes and trainers.

Also VOJTECH FIALA invited DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS to two meetings of the Czechoslovakia Bodybuilding Federation Council. The meetins were held by Professor FRANTISEK BULVA in the city of Brno. Under the requests of the participants DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS spoke on bodybuilding situation ion the U.S.S.R. and in Lithuania SSR.

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Professor Vasilij Bespalenko – The Founder of Modern Bodybuilding in Ukraine A Personality Who United Science, Sport and Public Service

Professor Vasilij Bespalenko is one of the most distinguished figures in the history of Ukrainian bodybuilding. His life's work encompasses competitive sport, scientific research, higher education, public service, and cultural activities. Throughout a professional career spanning more than four decades, he has successfully combined the roles of athlete, coach, university professor, researcher, and sports administrator, becoming an authority for several generations of athletes and coaches.

In 1983, Vasilij Bespalenko graduated in Art and Design from Ivan Franko National University of Lviv. He later continued his education in Physical Culture at Lviv State University and subsequently earned a Master's degree in Practical Psychology. Combining knowledge from sport science and psychology, he developed effective educational and training methodologies that have been widely applied in coaching and higher education.

For many years Professor Bespalenko taught at various Ukrainian universities, educating future specialists in physical education and sports science. As Head of the Department of Physical Culture at Lviv Stavropigion University, he devoted significant attention to developing modern educational curricula and improving professional standards in sports education. Today he continues to contribute to higher education by developing academic programs at the International Sports University.

Beyond academia, Professor Bespalenko is widely recognized as a charismatic public figure. His reputation has made him a frequent guest on Ukrainian television and radio programs, a sought-after interviewee for newspapers and magazines, and a participant in artistic photography projects as well as Ukrainian and Polish film productions.

Athlete and Coach – A Pioneer of Ukrainian Bodybuilding

The sporting career of Vasilij Bespalenko is inseparable from the history of bodybuilding in Ukraine. He is widely regarded as one of the founders of modern competitive bodybuilding in the country.

His contribution became particularly significant during the years when bodybuilding was officially prohibited or severely restricted throughout most socialist countries (1973–1987). Despite these political and ideological obstacles, Bespalenko became the first representative of the Ukrainian SSR to participate regularly in bodybuilding competitions held in the Baltic States. His activities helped establish international sporting contacts and contributed to preserving and promoting bodybuilding during one of the most difficult periods in its history.

Throughout his competitive career, Professor Bespalenko won numerous World and European championship titles. Among all his achievements, he considers his victories at the prestigious "Amber Prix" ("Gintarinis Prizas") tournament to be especially significant. Winning the Overall Champion title at the 2022 Amber Prix represented another milestone in his remarkable sporting career and demonstrated his exceptional longevity and competitive excellence.

His contribution extends far beyond his own athletic achievements. As a coach, Professor Bespalenko has trained numerous elite athletes who successfully represented Ukraine at international competitions. His coaching philosophy combines physical excellence with psychological preparation, discipline, ethical values, and personal responsibility.

Leadership and Public Activities

An equally important part of Professor Bespalenko's life has been dedicated to sports administration and public service.

He became the first President of the Ukrainian SSR IFBB Federation and played a decisive role in establishing organized bodybuilding in Ukraine. Today he serves as President of the Ukrainian WFF–WBBF Federation, promoting international cooperation and healthy lifestyles through sport.

During his leadership he organized numerous national and international bodybuilding events throughout Ukraine. Among the most significant was the WFF–WBBF World Grand Prix, held in 2013, which attracted competitors from many countries around the world.

Representing Ukraine as the head of official sports delegations, Professor Bespalenko has visited Lithuania on numerous occasions to participate in international sporting events. During these visits he was officially received several times at the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania, contributing to the development of sporting and cultural cooperation between Lithuania and Ukraine.

Professor Bespalenko also actively participates in the work of various Ukrainian public organizations. In recognition of his contribution to society and national traditions, the Historical Ukrainian Cossack League awarded him the honorary rank of Lieutenant General.

International Recognition

Professor Bespalenko's lifelong contribution has been acknowledged through numerous national and international distinctions.

In 2017 he received the Medal of the Historic Order of Christ, presented by an organization associated with United Nations public initiatives.

In 2020 his achievements in education, sport, and public service were further recognized when he received a UNESCO Certificate of Honor.

Later that same year, the World WFF–WBBF Federation presented Professor Bespalenko with its International “Gold Medal of Honor”, one of the organization's highest distinctions.

Legacy

The life and work of Professor Vasilij Bespalenko demonstrate how determination, professional excellence, and public dedication can shape the development of an entire sport. He belongs to the generation of pioneers who preserved and developed bodybuilding under extremely difficult political conditions and later contributed to its international recognition.

His legacy extends far beyond championship titles. As a university professor, he educated future specialists; as a coach, he developed champions; as a sports administrator, he helped establish the organizational foundations of bodybuilding in Ukraine; and as a public figure, he strengthened international cooperation through sport.

Today Professor Vasilij Bespalenko is deservedly recognized as one of the most influential personalities in the history of Ukrainian bodybuilding. His achievements, his students, and his organizational work remain an enduring part of both Ukrainian and international bodybuilding history.

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Stories of the “Amber Prix” Michael Mitchell – Always at the Top

One of the most remarkable personalities associated with the legendary international “Amber Prix” tournament was the outstanding Scottish athlete, actor, film director, and former officer of the British Special Forces, Michael Mitchell (1956–2021). His life was distinguished not only by exceptional sporting achievements but also by an extraordinary range of professional experiences that earned him respect in many countries around the world.

Michael Mitchell became involved in the activities of the World WFF–WBBF Federation in 1996. From the very beginning, he became an active participant in the Federation's events and a loyal supporter of its ideals. For more than twenty-five years, he took part in European and World Championships, international congresses, official Federation meetings, and numerous representative events. Until the very last days of his life, he remained an active member of the WFF–WBBF Federation and one of its most respected international ambassadors.

As an athlete, Michael Mitchell achieved outstanding success. Throughout his long competitive career, he won numerous international championships and earned many prestigious titles. His victories brought recognition not only to his native Scotland but also to the World WFF–WBBF Federation. Owing to his exceptional physical condition, discipline, professionalism, and sportsmanship, he earned great respect among athletes from all over the world. Many representatives of the younger generation regarded him as an example of how sporting excellence could be combined with personal integrity, dignity, and respect for one's competitors.

However, Michael Mitchell's achievements extended far beyond the world of sport. He was also a professional actor and film director, appearing in numerous film productions and participating in international film festivals, where he received several awards for his artistic work. His broad experience enabled him to communicate easily with people from different professions and cultures, making him an outstanding representative of the WFF–WBBF Federation on the international stage.

Equally important was his military career. As a former officer of the British Special Forces, Michael retained throughout his life the qualities expected of a professional soldier—discipline, responsibility, determination, and the ability to make sound decisions under difficult circumstances. These characteristics were clearly reflected in both his sporting career and his public activities.

In 2005, Michael Mitchell purchased a home on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey. It became his second home, where he spent much of his leisure time. It was there that the idea emerged to organize one of the Federation's most important international events in Turkey.

While preparations were underway for the 2007 international WFF–WBBF Championship at the prestigious LykiaWorld Resort, Michael Mitchell invited WFF–WBBF President Edmundas Daubaras to Turkey in 2006. An official press conference was organized, attended by Turkish journalists, sports officials, and representatives of the Ministry of Sports. During the event, the activities of the World WFF–WBBF Federation, its World Championships, and the forthcoming championship in Turkey were presented. This meeting became an important step in expanding the Federation's activities throughout the Mediterranean region and the Middle East.

Another significant event was the 2007 World Championship held in Vilnius, Lithuania. Following the championship, Michael Mitchell, as a member of the official WFF–WBBF delegation, participated in an official reception at the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania and in a press conference at the ELTA National News Agency. The meetings focused on recently completed championships, the Federation's future plans, and prospects for international cooperation. The history of the legendary “Amber Prix” tournament was also presented, together with the project for organizing its forthcoming 40th anniversary event. These official meetings demonstrated that the Federation's activities were recognized not only within the international sports community but also at the governmental level.

Throughout his life, Michael Mitchell received numerous sporting, public, and artistic awards. Among the distinctions he valued most was the WFF–WBBF Federation “Honor Gold Medal”, solemnly awarded to him in 2010. This prestigious award is presented only to individuals whose contributions have had lasting significance in the history of world bodybuilding and whose work has strengthened the Federation's international reputation.

Michael Mitchell's life was filled with challenges, achievements, and meaningful accomplishments. Sport, military service, cinema, and public activity merged into an extraordinary life dedicated to excellence. Whatever field he entered, he always pursued the highest standards. For this reason, the title of this article—"Always at the Top"—perfectly reflects both his character and his life's achievements.

Conclusions

Michael Mitchell was one of the most distinguished personalities in the history of the World WFF–WBBF Federation. His contribution extended far beyond competitive bodybuilding. He became an international ambassador of the Federation, an active promoter of its ideals, and an important figure in the history of the legendary “Amber Prix” tournament.

His reputation in sport, cinema, and public life helped promote the name of the WFF–WBBF Federation in many countries around the world. Through his personal initiatives, support for international events, and active participation in official Federation activities, he made a significant contribution to the Federation's international recognition and development.

Years after his passing, Michael Mitchell continues to be remembered with great respect. He remains not only a World Champion and accomplished actor but also a man whose loyalty to sport, his friends, and the WFF–WBBF Federation never wavered. For this reason, his name has earned a permanent place in the history of the legendary “Amber Prix” tournament, while his life's example continues to inspire new generations of athletes around the world.

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