WORLD BODYBUILDING ENCYCLOPEDIA.

AFRICA BODYBUILDING REVUE.

Africa is a big Continent. It seems so fare away  and people do not know much about it. W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. (World Fitness Federation, World Body Building Federation) international started communicating with Africa bodybuilders in 1984. Then African bodybuilders used to visit Klaipeda (Lithuanian SSR) sea port. They spent much time discussing bodybuilding with DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS. We got acquainted with Presidents of many African National Bodybuilding Federations when in 1989 in Paris (France) President I.F.B.B. (International Federation of Body Builders) BEN WEIDER presented them to DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS. During the last thirty years members of the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. International became bodybuilding organizations of the folowing Africa countries:

Zambia (president Danny Mkandawire),

Cameroon (president Serge Thuinte),

Zimbabwe (president Munya Maraire),

Angola (president Aristofanes Cauto Cabal),

Equatorial Guinea (president Ichinio Ondo Nkogo Avomo),

Uganda (president Ivan Byekwaso),

Nigeria (president Dr. Rawlings Makaulay),

Algeria (president Tizi Ouzou),

Mozambique (president Leonor Hilario Greffel),

Botswana (president Sam Chimbombi),

Kingdom of Morocco (president El Hadi Zakara),

Central African Republic (president Miguel Kalyango),

Republic South Africa (president Jannie Kruger).

Now we are negotiating with representatives of Egypt and Namibia of participation at the International W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. events.

AFRICA BODYBUILDERS AT W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. CONTESTS.

First Africa bodybuilders came to W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. competitions in 2008 to Poland and Lithuania. That were athletes of Algeria and Mozambique. Started in 2008 Mozambique athlete LEONOR HILARIO GREFFEL won many Amateur and Professional titles. Now she lives in Denmark.

We were surprized when after long discussions we hosted team of the Republic of South Africa (R.S.A.) concisting of 92 athletes. That was 2009 W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. World Championship in Tallinn (Estonia). National President of W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. R.S.A. was TOMMY DU RAND. Among women categories was leading W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Pro R.S.A. athlete PHILIPPA LAMONT WILKIE.

In 2010 representing R.S.A. were top athletes  HEINRICH VOSS and TRACEY GOTTCHALK. Both took high places at the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Pro World Championship in Brusno Kupele (Slovakia). They fighted for 30 000 US dollars cash prizes.

In 2011 among multiple R.S.A. team at the World AM-Pro Championships in Austria and Slovakia were top International athletes SHAEMEN ADAMS, SUZANNA LEMMER and ELIZABETH VAN DEN MERVE. Again they fighted for 30 000 US dollars cash prizes.

In 2011 and 2012 at the „World Grand Prix“ competitions W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. hosted top Nigeria bodybuilders JAMES SYLVESTER ONO and KING IZOGIE. Both of them now live in Europe.

In 2013 R.S.A. was represented by huge bodybuilder JOHN LESLIE. He won W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Pro Worlds in 2013 and 2015 (Slovakia and Lithuania).

In 2016 R.S.A. was represented by another huge athlete JANNIE COETZEE. He also became W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Pro World Champion then.

CLUMSY SITUATION.

2019 pandemia and 2022 war in Ukraine stopped a number big International projects of the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F.. Due to the politics of the European Union for a number of years we can not host teams at W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. International contests from Egypt (gymnastics) and Nigeria. We see only one way out now – they can compete at our regular competitions in Paraguay, Brazil, Russia, Pakistan, India and Thailand.

You can find more information on International Site www.wff.lt

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

Slovakia as an International Center of W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. Bodybuilding and Fitness: The Role of Patron Stefan Hrčka (2009–2013). Introduction

At the end of the first decade of the twenty-first century and the beginning of the second, the Slovak Republic emerged as one of the most important centers of the international fitness and bodybuilding movement in Europe. This development was closely linked to the activities of the World Fitness Federation (W.F.F.) and the World Body Building Federation (W.B.B.F.), as well as to the exceptional support provided by Slovak patron and public figure Stefan Hrčka. Through his initiative and organizational capabilities, Slovakia became the host of a series of high-level international sporting events that attracted the attention not only of the sports community but also of the country’s highest political institutions.

The 2009 “Universe” Contest in Brusno Kupele

A significant milestone was the international “Universe” contest held on November 6–8, 2009, in the Brusno Kupele resort located in the Tatra region of Slovakia. Athletes from thirteen countries participated in the event: Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Poland, Germany, Austria, France, Hungary, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and Venezuela.

The international status of the contest was underscored by the presence of high-ranking Slovak state officials. Among them was Dušan Galis, Member of Parliament and Chairman of the Government Committee for Youth and Sports, who presented a Letter of Appreciation from the Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic, Robert Fico, to the President of the World W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. Federation, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras. This gesture reflected the official recognition of the Federation’s activities and its contribution to the organization of international sporting events.

International Recognition and the “International Honour Gold Medal”

During the 2009 event, former Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic Vladimír Mečiar was awarded the International Honour Gold Medal. The award recognized his personal contribution to the development of sport and the promotion of health and fitness both nationally and internationally.

At that time, the medal represented one of the highest distinctions conferred by the World W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. Federation. Prior to Mečiar, it had been awarded only to former President of the Austrian Parliament Professor Alfred Gerstl. This practice reflected the Federation’s commitment to strengthening cooperation between sport and public institutions while recognizing individuals who contributed significantly to the promotion of healthy lifestyles.

Cooperation with Slovak State Institutions

Following the 2009 “Universe” contest, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras received an official invitation to the Government Office of the Slovak Republic in Bratislava. During the meeting with Prime Minister Robert Fico and Chancellor František Hatar, discussions focused on the future development of international sport and the prospects for organizing further W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. events in Slovakia.

During the visit, Robert Fico was presented with the International Honour Gold Medal as a symbol of the Federation’s appreciation for his support of sport and health-promotion initiatives.

This cooperation continued in 2012. While preparing for the World Championship in Brusno Kupele, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras held a second official meeting with Prime Minister Robert Fico. The meeting was attended by Stefan Hrčka and Lubomir Martinka, the official W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. representative in Slovakia. During the discussions, Prime Minister Fico agreed to serve as Patron of the World Championship, once again demonstrating the Slovak Government’s support for the event.

Slovakia as a Center of International Bodybuilding Events

Between 2009 and 2013, the Brusno Kupele resort became the permanent venue for the most important W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. events, including World Amateur and Professional Championships and international “Universe” contests. The organizational foundation of these events was built upon the close cooperation between the World W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. Federation and Stefan Hrčka.

Particularly significant were the events held in 2013, which were attended by the Speaker of the Slovak Parliament, Ján Figeľ. During his visit, he not only participated in the official ceremonies but also presented Dr. Edmundas Daubaras with the Slovak Parliament’s Certificate of Honour and a special Parliamentary Medal in recognition of his long-standing contribution to the development of international fitness and bodybuilding.

Subsequently, at the invitation of the Speaker, Dr. Daubaras paid an official visit to the Parliament of the Slovak Republic in Bratislava. The meetings focused on issues related to sports policy, public health promotion, and international cooperation.

International Recognition and Continuity

The support of Slovak state institutions for the Federation’s activities continued beyond 2013. During the 2016 W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. World Championship held in Lithuania, Slovak delegation leader Lubomir Martinka presented Dr. Edmundas Daubaras with a Certificate of Honour from the Parliament of the Slovak Republic. The document was signed by Deputy Speaker of the National Council of the Slovak Republic Andrej Hrnčiar.

This award symbolized the long-term cooperation between Slovakia and the World W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. Federation and served as recognition of outstanding contributions to the development of the international fitness and bodybuilding movement.

Development of International Relations

The expansion of international relations also played an important role in the Federation’s activities. In 2011, an official visit to the Embassy of the Republic of Cuba in Bratislava was organized. The meeting with the Cuban Ambassador was attended by Dr. Edmundas Daubaras and Stefan Hrčka. Discussions focused on opportunities for Cuban athletes to participate in W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. events and on future prospects for sports cooperation.

Conclusions

The period from 2009 to 2013 occupies a special place in the history of the W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. Federation. During these years, Slovakia became one of the most significant international centers of fitness and bodybuilding in Europe. This status was achieved not only through the regular organization of world-class sporting events but also through the active involvement of Slovak state institutions.

An analysis of this period demonstrates that a decisive role was played by patron Stefan Hrčka, whose initiatives, organizational efforts, and financial support created the conditions necessary for the successful implementation of long-term international projects. His contribution stands as a notable example of how private patronage and civic initiative can enable a relatively small European nation to become a focal point of a global sporting movement.

More information is on international site www.wff.lt

The 2008 WFF-WBBF International Congress in Prague: The Road to International Recognition and Sports Reform.

On October 26, 2008, the WFF-WBBF International Congress was held in the historic Žofín Barocco Palace in Prague, Czech Republic. It became one of the most significant strategic meetings of the organization in the early twenty-first century. The Congress addressed the most important issues facing international bodybuilding and fitness, discussed the principles of international sports governance, and outlined the future direction of WFF-WBBF International.

For more than four decades, WFF-WBBF International has consistently pursued the development of the international bodybuilding movement, promoted transparent sports governance, and worked to establish a legally sound model for the operation of an international sports federation. The Prague Congress became an important milestone in implementing this long-term strategy.

The Congress had not been planned in advance. At that time, Prague was hosting the WFF Professional World Championship, which brought together the organization's executive leadership, presidents of national federations, international judges, and official representatives from various countries. Taking advantage of this unique opportunity, it was decided to convene an international congress to discuss the most pressing issues affecting world bodybuilding and the future strategic development of the federation.

Congress Participants

The Congress was attended by the leadership of WFF-WBBF International, presidents of national federations, international judges, and official representatives from Europe and Asia.

Participants:

Edmundas Daubaras – President of WFF-WBBF International; Peter Papula – President of WFF-WBBF Austria; Martin Kuta – President of WFF-WBBF Czech Republic; Alena Slovakova – Secretary of WFF-WBBF Czech Republic; Ali Reza Rasa – President of WFF-WBBF Asia; Markus Kitner – President of WFF-WBBF Germany; Andrzej Maciejewski – President of WFF-WBBF Poland; Marieta Žigalova – Official Representative of Slovakia; Eva Martinkova – Official Representative of Slovakia; Prof. Karel Tuchaček – International Judge of WFF-WBBF International (Czech Republic); Peter Stach – Chief Judge of the 2008 WFF Professional World Championship (Czech Republic); Lubomír Krapek – International Judge of WFF-WBBF International (Czech Republic); Silvia Lang – Official Representative of Hungary; Jurij Bogdanov – Official Representative of Germany; Fedir Khashalov – Official Representative of Ukraine.

The international delegation represented the principal structures of WFF-WBBF International and discussed issues concerning the federation's strategic development, international recognition, anti-doping policy, and organizational reform.

Main Topics of the Congress The State of World Bodybuilding

The Congress concluded that world bodybuilding was facing significant organizational and legal challenges. Many international organizations lacked a clearly defined legal framework, a consistent governance system, and unified international standards. This situation hindered the development of the sport and weakened the authority of international federations.

Legal Status of International Sports Organizations

During the discussions, participants emphasized that a number of sports organizations operated without a clearly defined international legal status. Attention was also drawn to shortcomings in sports administration, which in some cases negatively affected organizational transparency and international credibility.

The Congress stressed that international federations and the championships they organize must be based on a clear legal foundation. Only such a system can ensure the protection of athletes' rights, organizational stability, and long-term international recognition.

International Cooperation

Considerable attention was devoted to strengthening cooperation among international federations. Participants emphasized that the progress of world bodybuilding could only be achieved through coordinated activities among different organizations, the harmonization of sports governance principles, and the development of a common international framework.

Anti-Doping Policy

One of the principal topics of the Congress was the fight against doping. Participants emphasized that fair competition, the protection of athletes' health, and uniform anti-doping requirements must remain integral elements of modern sport.

The Congress also recalled that in 2007 WFF-International signed a cooperation agreement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and formally became a signatory to the World Anti-Doping Code, thereby committing itself to internationally recognized anti-doping principles.

Congress Resolutions

Following the discussions, the Congress concluded that:

world bodybuilding requires consistent organizational and legal reforms; international federations must operate in accordance with recognized legal and good governance principles; anti-doping policy must remain one of the highest priorities in sports governance; international cooperation is essential for the long-term development of bodybuilding and the achievement of international recognition. Historical Significance

The 2008 Prague Congress marked an important stage in the development of WFF-WBBF International. It established the organization's principal strategic values: legality, transparent governance, international cooperation, unified sporting standards, and responsible anti-doping policy.

The issues discussed at the Congress remained relevant in subsequent years, making this meeting one of the most important strategic forums in the history of WFF-WBBF International. Its resolutions contributed to the federation's continued international expansion, strengthened its international standing, and reinforced its commitment to building a modern, transparent system of bodybuilding based on internationally recognized legal and sports governance principles.

More information is on international site www.wff.lt