1991.SOCIALIST BODYBUILDING NEWS.

LITHUANIA BODYBUILDERS LEAVE U.S.S.R. FEDERATION.

Since 1971 until 1998 the I.F.B.B. (International Federation of Body Builders) federation was the sole International Bodybuilding Federation to represent official recognized sport. Then bodybuilding still was a sport. Since 1989 DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS was negotiating with his friend I.F.B.B.  President BEN WEIDER. Among other questions both negotiated about the membership of the Lithuania National Bodybuilding Federation in the I.F.B.B.. The membership should be not as a part оf the “U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Federation” («Федерация культуризма С.С.С.Р.») but as an Independent member. That meant that the I.F.B.B. should recognize the Independent Republic Lithuania. In February 1991 there was referendum to separate with the U.S.S.R. held in Lithuania. 85 percent of citizen said “yes”.

During the process DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS through his fiend German (F.R.G, Federal Republic of Germany) GERHARD HUNGE paid the I.F.B.B. membership fee for Lithuania federation. Other way transaction was not possible as all international transactions were controlled by the bank of the U.S.S.R.. After this DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS sent official request to join the I.F.B.B. federation. In addition to this in order to prove the Country Independence  DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS translated the Constitution of the Republic Lithuania from Lithuanian to English language and sent it to Canada for BEN WEIDER.

This way since 1989 DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS had meetings with BEN WEIDER in Moscow and Leningrad (U.S.S.R.), Paris (France), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) and New York (USA). Finally after the 1990 “Miss Olympia” BEN WEIDER refused to recognize the Independent Republic Lithuania. He was on Moscow side. Lithuanians were not allowed to join the I.F.B.B.. BEN WEIDER was a businessman and he wanted to make business with the U.S.S.R.. Vice President of the U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Federation and President of the Bodybuilding Federation of Lithuanian SSR ROMANAS KALINAUSKAS did not support ideas and intentions of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS. Even more - after proclaiming the Independent Republic Lithuania ROMANAS KALINAUSKAS joined the new Lithuania Communist Party of Mykolas Burokevichus. As it was during the fierce prohibition of bodybuilding in 1978, now DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS was left alone again. Nobody of bodybuilders dared to support him and to stand against the U.S.S.R..

At the same time many of Lithuania bodybuilders supported the National Olympic Committee of the Independent Republic Lithuania and refused to participate in the official U.S.S.R. contests and to join the National teams of the U.S.S.R.. Having no International competitions many famous bodybuilders left sport. For example best U.S.S.R. bodybuilder Lithuanian VIKTORAS JUCYS.

At that time a number of best Lithuania bodybuilders were pupils of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS. They were - NATALIJA MURNIKOVIENE, EDMUNDAS REPSYS, VADIM SRYVKIN (Вадим Срывкин), RIMANTAS MAZIONIS.

Athletes needed contests and DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS found the way. DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS wrote letters to the N.A.B.B.A. (World Amateur Body Building Association) Chairman OSCAR HEIDENSTAM and W.A.B.B.A. (World Amateur Body Building Association) Owner and President SERGE NUBRET. Both invited Lithuania bodybuilders to their contests: 1991 N.A.B.B.A. Europe Championship in Epinal (France) and 1991 W.A.B.B.A. World Championship in Japan.

I.F.B.B. PRESIDENT VISITS LITHUANIA.

WEIDER DID NOT SUPPORT INDEPENDENT LITHUANIA.

In March, 1991 I.F.B.B. President BEN WEIDER visited capital of the Independent Republic Lithuania Vilnius. Some months ago during meetings with DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS he refused to recognize Independent Lithuania and remained on the U.S.S.R. side. At the same time he wrote a letter to DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS asking to arrange his meetings with the Officials of the Republic Lithuania. On the way to Moscow BEN WEIDER planned to visit Lithuania. DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS refused to assist him as BEN WEIDER did not change his position towards Lithuania Independence. He explained that Lithuanians will look other International Organizations to participate at the International Contests. BEN WEIDER asked not to be in a hurry but DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS  said Lithuanians are waiting I.F.B.B. membership already three years.

So DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS was not with BEN VEIDER during his visit to Vilnius. There was official meeting of BEN WEIDER with the Chairman Parliament Republic Lithuania VYTAUTAS LANDSBERGIS. President of the Lithuania Olympic Committee ARTURAS POVILIUNAS and his assistant KAZIMIERAS MOTIEKA were present at the meeting too. Also Vice President of the “U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Federation” («Федерация культуризма С.С.С.Р.») and President of the Bodybuilding Federation of the Lithuanian SSR ROMANAS KALINAUSKAS was at the meeting as well.  BEN WEIDER visited Parliament, presented Diploma of Honour to VYTAUTAS LANDSBERGIS, had meetings with Lithuanian bodybuilders. Anyway, BEN WEIDER remained on the same position - at that time he did not recognize Independent Republic Lithuania and supported the U.S.S.R..

N.A.B.B.A. WAS FIRST TO SUPPORT INDEPENDENT LITHUANIA.

MINISTRY SPORT INITIATES ORGANIZING BODYBUILDING ASSOCIATION.

In 1991 DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS  visited Parliament of Republic Lithuania many times. Due to request of the President of Lithuania National Olympic Committee (L.T.O.K., Lietuvos Tautinis Olimpinis Komitetas) ARTURAS POVILIUNAS  DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS brought him official letter that International N.A.B.B.A. (National Amateur Body Building Association)  association recognizes Independent Lithuania and Lithuania National Olympic Committee. Among all International Federations of all sports N.A.B.B.A. was first to recognize independent Republic of Lithuania. There were several months until August overthrow in Moscow. Everybody was afraid to support Lithuania. First of all among non supporters was Vice President “U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Federation” and also president national Bodybuilding federation of Lithuanian SSR ROMANAS KALINAUSKAS.

In order to support bodybuilding sport DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS addressed the Minister of Sport Republic Lithuania (Lietuvos Respublikos sporto ministras) ALGIMANTAS RASLANAS and the President of Lithuania National Olympic Committee ARTURAS POVILIUNAS. Both said that a new National Bodybuilding Organization of Independent Lithuania was needed. ROMANAS KALINAUSKAS with his federation of Lithuanian SSR was out of the game.

Minister of Sport Republic Lithuania ALGIRDAS RASLANAS gave order to assistant  ALGIMANTAS SALAMAKINAS to help DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS to prepare documents for registration of the new federation.  In few hours documents were ready and next day new National Bodybuilding Association was registered at the Ministry of Justice of the Republic Lithuania (Lietuvos Respublikos teisingumo ministerija).

President of Lithuania National Olympic Committee ARTURAS POVILIUNAS often mentioned that no International Federations support him. During 1991 March visit to Republic Lithuania I.F.B.B. (International Federation of Body Builders) President BEN WEIDER refused to recognize Independent Lithuania and also he refused to take Lithuanians to the I.F.B.B. without permittion of the U.S.S.R.. At that time no one of Lithuania bodybuilding organizers dared to make a step against the U.S.S.R.. Everybody waited for something to happen - will Independent Lithuania stand against the U.S.S.R. or all Independence will be finished by Moscow. Again as it was in 1978 DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS was left alone with his own risky actions.

PRESIDENT “U.S.S.R. BODYBUILDING FEDERATION” ASKS HELP OF DSC. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS.

Many dirty things happen due to various intrigues. So happened in the “U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Federation” («Федерация культуризма С.С.С.Р.») when it’s President VASILIJ CAIKOVSKIJ (Василий Чайковский) was overturned down. VASILIJ CAIKOVSKIJ was replaced by a Leningrad bodybuilder VLADIMIR DUBININ (Владимир Дубинин). The same things happened in 1988 when the first President “U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Federation” Olympic Champion JURIJ VLASOV (Юрий Власов) was replaced by VASILIJ CAIKOVSKIJ in 1988.

Knowing about good friendly relations of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS and President I.F.B.B. (International Federation of Body Builders) BEN WEIDER in January 1991 VASILIJ CAIKOVSKIJ came to Klaipeda (Republic Lithuania) and directly asked DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS to speak with BEN WEIDER. VASILJ CAIKOVSKIJ wanted DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS to explain about the dirty matters in the “U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Federation” and to change the voting results. He accused the former Vice President “U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Federation” ROMANAS KALINAUSKAS as well.

DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS refused to help VASILIJ CAIKOVSKIJ as in 1990 and in 1991 BEN WEIDER refused to support the Independent Republic Lithuania and also BEN WEIDER refused to incorporate National Bodybuilding Federation of Lithuanian SSR into the I.F.B.B. without permeation of the U.S.S.R.. At that moment DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS already decided to start working with other International Bodybuilding Organizations but the I.F.B.B..

SOCIALIST WORLD PARTICIPATES AT N.A.B.B.A. EUROPE CHAMPIONSHIP.

As there were difficulties with visas to W.A.B.B.A.  (World Body Building Association) World Championship in Japan, DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS decided to participate at 1991 N.A.B.B.A. (National Amateur Body Building Association) Europe Championship in Epinal (France). National team of bodybuilders of Lithuania Republic was collected after the 1991 “Amber Prix International” («Янтарный приз», “Gintarinis prizas”, 1968 - 2024). The  team was: NATALIJA MURNIKOVIENE (Наталия Мурниковене), EDMUNDAS REPSYS, ROLANDAS BUCINSKAS, VADIM SRYVKIN (Вадим Срывкин) and EUGENIJ GORELIK (Евгений Горелик). All Lithuanian participants went to France free of charge and paid nothing. At the same time some athletes were getting constant stipendiary for preparation for contests and for the living expenses (for. Exampla NATALIA MURNIKOVIENE). Money for them was collected after selling at that time very popular DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS bodybuilding magazines. All together were issued 37 different magazines. The first one was “Arnold Schwarzenegger Recommends” (1989) and two million copies of only this magazine were sold in Socialist Countries.

During the contest in Epinal DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS got acquainted with the President N.A.B.B.A. Germany KLAUS P.J. HOFFMANN. About this we will write some time later in the third book of the “World Bodybuilding Encyclopedia” («Энциклопедия всемирного культуризма», „Pasaulinė kultūrizmo enciklopedija“ ). Later in 1995 both created W.F.F. -International (World Fitness Federation). At that time KLAUS HOFFMANN left his membership in W.A.B.B.A. and joined N.A.B.B.A. too. So in 1991 first medals of the independent Republic Lithuania were received at 1991 N.A.B.B.A. Europe Championship in Epinal. NATALIA MURNIKOVIENE and ROLANDAS BUCINSKAS became N.A.B.B.A. Europe champions.

After this Vice President of the  “U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Federation” («Федерация культуризма С.С.С.Р.», “T.S.R.S. kultūrizmo federacijos”) and President of the Bodybuilding federation of the Lithuanian SSR ROMANAS KALINAUSKAS became crazy. He organized awful articles about DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS in Lithuanian press. At the same time ROMANAS KALINAUSKAS planned to join W.A.B.B.A. as the doors of the I.F.B.B. (International Federation of Body Builders) were closed for Lithuania at that time. Nobody had idea that 1991 “August Overthrow” («Августовский путч») will change everything.

1991 OVERTROW IN MOSCOW.

Nobody even saw in dreams that “1991 August Moscow Overthrow” (августовский путч в Москве) will loose so quick. The hew horizons were opened for all Socialist Countries. In sport too. The U.S.S.R. was fighting to remai alive and all Socialist Countries lighted for their independence.

After the “1991 August Moscow Overthrow” everybody who had been afraid to fight became “alive”. Now they were brave. Among them was Vice President “U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Federation” («Федерация культуризма С.С.С.Р.») ROMANAS KALINAUSKAS (Романас Калинаускас). Only now he created “Lithuania bodybuilding federation” which later became the I.F.B.B. (International Federation of Body Builders) member. At the same time DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS (Др. Эдмундас Даубарас) led his “National Bodybuilding Association” (Национальная ассоциация культуризма Литовской Республики) and was going on to work with N.A.B.B.A. International (National Amateur Body Building Association). We would underline that in May, 1991 the Ministry of Sport Republic Lithuania assisted DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS to create his federation. Owner and President of I.F.B.B. BEN WEIDER was acting as ROMANAS KALINAUSKAS. Only after the “1991 August Moscow Overthrow” BEN WEIDER dared to recognize Independent Republic Lithuania and to let Lithuania Bodybuilding Federation to join the I.F.B.B..

No one of the U.S.S.R. bodybuilding leaders knew anything about International Bodybuilding Organizations of the “Western World”. It took much time to get the truth about them. That lasted until when in 1996 DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS and German KLAUS P.J.HOFFNMAN created the W.F.F. (W.F.F. - International, World Fitness Federation) in 1996. The W.F.F. was registered officially in 1999. Later in 2005 the W.B.B.F. (W.B.B.F. - International, World Body Building Federation) was created and registered in Lithuania. But about this we will speak in the third book of the “World Bodybuilding Encyclopedia” («Энциклопедия всемирного культуризма»).

1991 SOCIALIST BODYBUILDING NEWS.

1991 „AMBER PRIX INTERNATIONAL“.

At the competition participated athletes from Latvian SSR, Estonian SSR, Lithuanian Republic, R.S.F.S.R., Belorussian SSR, Ukrainian SSR and Poland. First places were awarded with prize money. Each Category Winner received money amount equal to five salaries at Republic Lithuania at that time. Money was collected after selling at that time very popular DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS bodybuilding magazines. All together were issued 37 different magazines. The first one was “Arnold Schwarzenegger Recommends” (1989, «Арнольд Шварценеггер рекомендует», ) and two million copies of only this magazine were sold in Socialist Countries.

RESULTS

Women Bodybuilding

Category Until 52 kgs.

1. BOGDANOVA ILONA (Lithuanian Republic)

2. BELOVA IRINA (Latvian SSR)

3. MOCKEVICIENE DIANA (Lithuanian Republic)

Category Over 52 kgs.

1. MURNIKOVIENE NATALIJA (Lithuanian Republic)

2. MISEVICIENE IRINA (Lithuanian Republic)

KAMINSKAITE IDALIJA (Lithuanian Republic)

Over All Winner NATALIJA MURNIKOVIENE

Men’s Categories

Category Until 65 kgs.

1. CLEBORODOV VIACESLAV (Хлебородав Вячеслав, Lithuanian Republic)

2. VOROBJOV ALEKSANDR (Воробьёв Александр, R.S.F.S.R.)

3. VALANCIUS ALBINAS (Lithuanian Republic)

Category Until 70 kgs.

1. GORELIK JEVGENIJ (Горелик Евгений, Lithuanian Republic)

2. BERKOVICH SEMION (Беркович Семён, Lithuanian Republic)

3. BARTKEVICIUS ARVYDAS (Lithuanian Republic)

1. Category Until 80 kgs.

2. SRYVKIN VADIM (Срывкин Вадим, Lithuanian Republic)

3. ZOLINAS DMITRIJUS (Золин Дмитрий, R.S.F.S.R.)

4. ZUR OLEG (Жур Олег, Ukrainian SSR)

Category Until 90 kgs.

1. ZUR OLEG (Жур Олег, Lithuanian Republic)

2. BURNEIKIS RAIMONDAS (Lithuanian Republic)

3. BYTAUTAS GINTARAS (Lithuanian Republic)

Category Over 90 kgs.

1. REPSYS EDMUNDAS (Lithuanian Republic)

2. MISEVICIUS SAULIUS (Lithuanian Republic)

3. SVEIDUKS MARIS (Latvian SSR).

Over All Winner OLEG ZUR (Republic Lithuania).

1991 “MR. URAL”. BODYBUILDING TIMES OF CARPETS.

Time goes so fast and today in public often comes information which is far away from the truth. People who were not present at certain events are writing articles and books which are based on rumours. They pay no attention to the facts and opinion of the real participants of these events. For example, several years ago in Lithuania was issued a book “Lithuanian bodybuilding history” which carries facts that are not correct. Some time ago in Russia was issued a book about a famous Russia bodybuilder VLADIMIR DUBININ. For thirty  years VLADIMIR DUBININ  was the President of the National I.F.B.B. (International Federation of Body Builders)  Federation of  Russia. There are many not correct facts and interpretations on the history of the U.S.S.R. bodybuilding in the book.

Today after thirty years in internet appeared false information about the 1991 International “Mr. Ural” contest. The information is published by a former Russian bodybuilder OLEG ANDREJEV (Олег Андреев). People start discussing the angry letter of an U.S.S.R. official which he wrote on the background of rumors only.

Continuing our work on the unique International project of the “World Bodybuilding Encyclopedia” («Энциклопедия мирового культуризма», „Pasaulio kultūrizmo enciklopedija“)  in 2020 we plan to issue in various languages a book about the history of bodybuilding in the U.S.S.R.. There will be many historical documents, authentic stories and pictures and the reader will have a chance to see the historic happenings on different angle.

The organizer of the 1990-1991 “Mr. Ural” Contest in Ural Ufa City was ALTAF GALEJEV. For a number of years ALTAF GALEJEV  used to come with Ufa bodybuilding team to the  officially recognized World’s oldest traditional bodybuilding contest “Amber Prix International” (1968-2022, “Gintarinis prizas”, «Янтарный приз»). Participating at the 1991 “Mr. Ural” Contest contemporary President of the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. (World Fitness Federation, World Body Building Federation) International DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS  and his wife were the invited personal guests of the organizer ALTAF GALEJEV.

Though at the 1991 “Mr. Ural” together with the U.S.S.R. bodybuilders participated teams of Germany, Holland and U.S.A. – the judges were only of the U.S.S.R. side. These judges in years were known one to another. To say more – these judges were trainers of the sportsmen, who participated at the 1991 “Mr. Ural” Contest and their personal interest in the competition results was very plain and clear. Even more: Lithuanian Judge ARVYDAS MILVYDAS some time before started working as the director of Vilnius sport centre. He had possibilities to offer money to bodybuilders. So he did. ARVYDAS MILVYDAS offered money to a number of known bodybuilders who were for many years trained by a famous U.S.S.R. trainer VITALIJ ASOVSKIJ. The bodybuilders of VITALIJ ASOVSKIJ without any hesitation left him and run to ARVYDAS MILVYDAS. Today when sport became totally commercial  it is nothing special about this, many athletes use to do this. But in the U.S.S.R. of 1991 it was a single unfair happening on the moral side. Having no trainer’s experience before it ARVYDAS MILVYDAS appeared at “Mr. Ural” Competition in Ufa with his team of known bodybuilders.

After the calculation of the 1991 “Mr. Ural” Contest results the awards ceremony started. Among the usual traditional awards for the winners were the carpets. To understand the situation now we should explain the situation of life in the U.S.S.R.. It is impossible to understand it easy for the contemporary people. Due to political situation for many years cars, carpets, spare parts for cars etc. were impossible to get in the U.S.S.R.. Only the trade unions of the U.S.S.R. were giving special licences for the best workers to buy these things. For German, Holland and U.S.A. participants of the 1991 “Mr. Ural” these carpets were of no value. But the representatives of the U.S.S.R. looked upon this differently. For them the carpets were of great value.  A scandal started during the award ceremony. German, Holland and the U.S.A. representatives did not agree with the judging and they insisted to cancel the judging results.

It was a break at the contest announced. Then the contest organizer ALTAF GALEJEV  collected official representatives of Germany, Holland and U.S.A. for a special meeting. The only one at the competition knowing well the English and the German languages DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS was present at the meeting too. The German team was led to Ufa by a famous National trainer of the German team. The team consisted of famous International athletes and among them AUREL HILLEBRAND – one of the winners of the 1991 Europe Championship. At the meeting the representatives spoke that “they came to a bodybuilding contest and not to the place of dividing carpets. Why ALTAF GALEJEV invited them to UFA if there is only the manipulation with carpets?” After the  discussion all of the representatives decided to change the results only in one category. They replaced Lithuanian OLEG ZUR with AUREL HILLEBRAND giving the first place to the German bodybuilder. Also OLEG ZUR had to give back to the German the carpets... AUREL HILLEBRAND  did not want to take the carpets saying he came to the bodybuilding competition and he does not need them. We would like to remind that later in 2004 Lithuanian OLEG ZUR was the over all I.F.B.B. World Champion in Moscow. By the way the 2004 I.F.B.B. World Championship was also full of intrigues. Any can find in various languages the historic documents, articles at the International Page www.wff.lt , read information on the main page and in the forum topics.

Returned from 1991 “Mr. Ural” home the Lithuania bodybuilders were upset.  They told their story to the Secretary of the U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Federation ROMANAS KALINAUSKAS. Hearing only one side and based only on words and rumours ROMANAS KALINAUSKAS wrote an angry letter to the President of the U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Federation VLADIMIR DUBININ. Then a special Congress of the U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Federation Council was announced. The Congress put punishment to the 1991 “Mr. Ural” organizer  ALTAF GALEJEV. Then ALTAF GALEJEV left the I.F.B.B. and started working with another International Federation.

Full article and more information is on International Site www.wff.lt  

2026 NEWS OF INTERNATIONAL SPORT.

BEST 2025 PRO BODYBUILDER.

Preparing most important 2026 International Events we declare that RAIMUNDAS URBANAVICIUS was named as 2025 „Best pro Bodybuilder“.

 

2026 MEGA EVENTS INTERNATIONAL

59-th „Amber Prix International“

31-st Europe Am-Pro Championship

27-th Am-Pro „Universe“

May 1 - 2, 2026, Klaipeda „Zveju“ Palace, Lithuania

Official Documents, Articles, Statistics on Global Page www.wff.lt

CONTEST REGISTRATION on www.worldfitness.lt

 

37-th Am-Pro World Championship

45-th Am-Pro „World Grand Prix“

3-d „Neringa Mayor‘s Cup“

October 24 - 25, 2026, Nida Resort, „Agila“ Palace, Lithuania

Official Documents, Articles, Statistics on Global Page www.wff.lt

CONTEST REGISTRATION on www.worldfitness.lt

WORLD BODYBUILDING ENCYCLOPEDIA.

„LITHUANIA AMBASSADOR FOR WORLD COUNTRIES“.

In 2015 and in 2016 W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. (World Fitness Federation, World Bodybuilding Federation) was holding International events in Lithuanian Kretinga City. A number of Parliament members and representatives of the Government Republic Lithuania were present at the opening ceremony of both  events. At that time official advisor of the Prime Minister Republic Lithuania Mr. ANTANAS VINKUS was surprized by multiple representation of athletes and delegates from various Continents and Countries. There were athletes from Africa, Asia, South America and Europe at the mentioned above competitions. On the contest stage Mr. ANTANAS VINKUS named International President W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS as the „Lithuania Ambassador for the World Countries“.

More information is on International Site www.wff.lt

2026 News International. Lithuania Strengthens International Sports Cooperation: Focus on Taiwan and Upcoming WFF-WBBF Events.

On August 27, 2026, an official meeting took place in Vilnius between the leadership of the World WFF-WBBF Federation and representatives of the Taiwan Embassy. The meeting focused on the possibility of Taiwan’s official delegation participating in major international sporting events in Lithuania, as well as prospects for further cooperation between Lithuania and Taiwan in the field of sport.

The World WFF-WBBF Federation is currently preparing for two major international events in Lithuania: the 37th World Championship in Neringa, scheduled for October 24–26, 2026, and the 60th edition of the historic international “Amber Prix” Tournament in Klaipėda, planned for May 2027.

The international significance of these events was further highlighted by the meeting held in Vilnius on August 27 with representatives of the Taiwan Embassy. The meeting was attended by Mr. Elvie Wu, Deputy Head of the Taiwan Embassy, and Ms. Lee Chun-Chih, First Secretary of the Embassy.

The meeting was held with the official support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania, providing an important broader context for the international cooperation being developed by the Federation.

Taiwan’s Participation – One of the Key Issues Discussed

One of the main topics of discussion was the possibility of an official Taiwan delegation participating in upcoming WFF-WBBF international events.

The participation of Taiwanese athletes and an official delegation in the World Championship in Neringa and the “Amber Prix” Tournament in Klaipėda could represent an important step toward strengthening international sporting relations.

In this context, sport serves not only as a field of competition but also as a platform for international dialogue, people-to-people contacts and institutional cooperation. International championships and tournaments with long-standing traditions provide opportunities for representatives of different countries to meet, establish contacts and develop long-term partnerships.

Looking Ahead to 2027

The discussions were not limited to upcoming events in Lithuania. The parties also discussed the possibility of organizing a major international WFF-WBBF event in Taiwan in 2027 – the 52nd International “World Grand Prix” Tournament.

This demonstrates that the potential cooperation is not being considered merely as a one-time participation of a Taiwanese delegation in events held in Lithuania. Rather, the discussions point toward a broader partnership in the organization of international sporting events, potentially involving sports organizations and athletes from both Lithuania and Taiwan.

Lithuania as a Meeting Point for International Sport

As the 37th World Championship in Neringa approaches, Lithuania is once again emerging as a country where sports communities from different parts of the world can meet.

The World Championship in Neringa in October 2026 and the 60th “Amber Prix” Tournament in Klaipėda in May 2027 are more than events on the international sporting calendar. They provide a platform for international cooperation, bringing together countries, federations, athletes and sports organizations.

The possibility of developing new event destinations – from Lithuania to Taiwan – adds another important dimension to this process.

A New Stage in International Cooperation

The August 27 meeting in Vilnius may mark a new stage in Lithuania–Taiwan sports cooperation. The immediate practical step is to continue coordinating the possible participation of a Taiwanese delegation in WFF-WBBF events in Lithuania. The longer-term perspective is the possible organization of the 52nd International “World Grand Prix” Tournament in Taiwan in 2027.

In this way, sport becomes a concrete and practical instrument for strengthening international relations.

The key conclusion of the meeting is that the potential cooperation extends beyond a single event. A broader international sports cooperation framework is taking shape, bringing together Lithuania, Taiwan and the international WFF-WBBF event network.

The coming months will show how the discussed opportunities and arrangements develop in practice. Meanwhile, the WFF-WBBF Federation continues preparations for one of its major events of 2026 – the 37th World Championship in Neringa.

More information is on international site www.wff.lt

Mayor of Lviv, Press Conference, Television Report The Highest International Recognition of a Lifetime of Achievement

In June 2013, the President of the World Fitness Federation – World Body Building Federation (W.F.F. – W.B.B.F.), Edmundas Daubaras, paid an official visit to Lviv, the historical and cultural capital of Western Ukraine, renowned for its rich academic traditions, architectural heritage, and vibrant public life.

The visit became one of the most significant international recognitions of Edmundas Daubaras' professional career. More than three decades of dedication to building and developing the global W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. movement were acknowledged not only by the international sports community but also by academic institutions and the municipal authorities of one of Ukraine's most distinguished cities.

Upon his arrival in Lviv, the President of the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. was officially welcomed by a city delegation and accommodated as an honorary guest at the prestigious Leopol Hotel.

The central event of the visit was the solemn ceremony held at Lviv Stavropigion University, one of Ukraine's oldest institutions of higher education, whose origins date back to 1788. In recognition of Edmundas Daubaras' outstanding contribution to international sports development, public service, and international cooperation, the University's Academic Council conferred upon him the honorary academic degree of Doctor Honoris Causa (Doctor of Sciences, D.Sc.).

This distinction represents one of the highest academic honours awarded to individuals whose achievements have made an exceptional and lasting contribution to society, science, culture, sport, and international cooperation.

The ceremony was attended by distinguished scholars and university leaders from Ukraine and abroad. Among them were Professor Dr. Yaroslav Kmit (Ярослав Кміт), Rector of Lviv Stavropigion University and Vice President of the International UNESCO Programs Implementation Center; Professor Viktor Idzio (Віктор Ідзьо), Rector of Moscow University, Academician of the International Eurasian Academy and the Academy of Sciences of Higher Education Institutions of Ukraine, together with numerous other prominent representatives of the academic community.

The honour carried a significance far beyond personal recognition. It represented international acknowledgment of the achievements of the entire W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. movement. Over many years, the organization had united dozens of countries, organized international championships on several continents, and established lasting partnerships with universities, public organizations, and governmental institutions around the world. Its activities had evolved beyond the traditional boundaries of sport, becoming an important platform for international cooperation and cultural exchange.

Official Reception at Lviv City Hall

Following the honorary degree ceremony, Edmundas Daubaras was officially received by Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovyi. The meeting was attended by representatives of Lviv Stavropigion University, leaders of Ukrainian bodybuilding organizations, municipal officials, and members of the press.

During the meeting, the activities of the World W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Federation were presented, while discussions focused on opportunities for international sports cooperation, youth engagement, physical fitness, and the promotion of healthy lifestyles in Lviv and throughout Ukraine. The city's leadership expressed its appreciation for the Federation's achievements and its contribution to strengthening international sporting relations.

Following the official reception, a press conference was organized for Ukrainian journalists, during which the history of the Federation, its international championships, and its activities across numerous countries were presented.

The visit continued with a live television interview at Lviv Television, where Edmundas Daubaras spoke about the Federation's mission, principles, and worldwide development. The television report became one of the highlights of the official visit, introducing the international activities of the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. to a broad Ukrainian audience.

In honour of the distinguished guest, the day's official programme concluded with a ceremonial banquet attended by university officials, representatives of the city administration, leaders of sports organizations, members of the academic community, and invited guests.

Significance for the International Federation

The 2013 visit to Lviv became one of the most remarkable examples of international recognition in the history of the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Federation. The conferral of the honorary doctorate, the official reception at City Hall, the press conference, and the extensive television coverage demonstrated that the Federation was regarded not merely as a sports organization but as an international public movement promoting cooperation among nations, universities, and civic institutions.

These events symbolized the culmination of more than thirty years of dedicated work. They confirmed that the consistent development of a worldwide organization and its long-standing international partnerships had earned recognition at the highest academic and public levels. The Lviv visit therefore became not only a significant milestone in the biography of Edmundas Daubaras but also an important chapter in the international history of the World Fitness Federation – World Body Building Federation.

More information is on international site www.wff.lt