“Amber Prix” Stories Albertas Remeika – Unfulfilled Dreams

During the 1970s, bodybuilding in the Soviet Union was considered an ideologically undesirable sport. It was effectively banned, forcing athletes to train in secret—in basements, bomb shelters, and other secluded locations. Despite official repression, these harsh conditions produced a number of exceptionally talented Lithuanian bodybuilders.

In 1975, Albertas Remeika joined the "Gintaras" (Amber) bodybuilding club in Klaipėda, which operated in a bomb shelter beneath the Klaipėda Commercial Seaport. From the very beginning, he stood out for his remarkable ambition, determination, and willingness to work hard. His goal was not only to transform his physique but also to become one of Lithuania's leading bodybuilders and to compete in contests that were considered unofficial—and often unacceptable—by the Soviet authorities.

Albertas was coached by Edmundas Daubaras, one of the best theoretically prepared bodybuilding specialists in the USSR at the time. His training methods were based not only on practical experience but also on foreign bodybuilding publications, contacts with Czechoslovak bodybuilders, and a detailed analysis of a demonstration training session conducted by Peter Stach, the 1975 IFBB European Overall Champion.

The training program was exceptionally demanding. Nutrition was equally rigorous: Albertas consumed approximately two kilograms of cottage cheese and 20–30 eggs every day. In just eighteen months, his body weight increased from 88 to 120 kilograms (194 to 265 pounds), while his biceps reached an impressive circumference of 52 centimeters (20.5 inches). Although he did not specialize in strength sports, his physical abilities were equally remarkable and earned the respect of bodybuilding experts.

While still competing as a junior, Albertas Remeika took part in the “Georg Tenno Memorial” in Tallinn in 1978, where he finished third in the tallest height category. It was an impressive international debut.

Later that same year, he placed second in his height category at the “Amber Prix” tournament in Klaipėda. In 1979, although still a junior, he competed against senior athletes at the “Komsomol Cup” Championships held in Kaunas. Judges and specialists were impressed by his extraordinary muscular development, body proportions, and overall physique. Many believed that Klaipėda had produced one of Lithuania's most promising young bodybuilders.

Unfortunately, his sporting ambitions were never fully realized. Continuous disagreements among the leaders of the unofficial Lithuanian SSR Bodybuilding Federation negatively affected the development of bodybuilding throughout the country. At the same time, Edmundas Daubaras left Klaipėda to pursue a second university degree at Vilnius University, while Albertas Remeika decided to retire permanently from competitive bodybuilding.

Thus ended, unexpectedly early, the career of one of the most gifted bodybuilders of his generation in Klaipėda.

Conclusion

The story of Albertas Remeika is more than the biography of a talented athlete with exceptional physical potential. It reflects the experience of an entire generation of bodybuilders who pursued excellence despite political restrictions, limited access to information, and constant organizational difficulties. Remeika possessed all the qualities necessary to become one of Lithuania's outstanding bodybuilders, yet his career was cut short not by a lack of talent or determination, but by the circumstances of his time. His story reminds us how many promising athletes of the Soviet era never reached their full potential because of forces beyond their control. Even so, Albertas Remeika remains an important figure in the history of Klaipėda bodybuilding and a lasting symbol of the “Amber Prix” era.

More information is on international page www.wff.lt

Mexican Athletes at the International “Amber Prix” Tournament 2006 WFF-WBBF “Mexico Grand Prix” – An Important Step in International Cooperation

From 2006 to 2010, the activities of the World WFF-WBBF Federation in the United States were coordinated by Mike Glass. Under his leadership, the Federation significantly expanded its presence throughout North and Latin America. One of the most important achievements of this period was the organization of the 2006 WFF-WBBF “Mexico Grand Prix” in Mexico City.

The event attracted considerable attention from the international bodybuilding and fitness community, bringing together more than 300 athletes from numerous countries. The “Mexico Grand Prix” became a major milestone in the development of the WFF-WBBF Federation in Latin America and further strengthened the Federation's international reputation.

Following the successful organization of the competition, Manuel Solano was appointed President of the WFF-WBBF Federation of Mexico. During his leadership, the Mexican national team became an active participant in the international activities of the World WFF-WBBF Federation. Mexican athletes regularly competed in World Championships, international cup events, and numerous other WFF-WBBF competitions.

A special place in Mexico's international sporting activities belonged to the prestigious annual “Amber Prix” tournaments held in Klaipėda, Lithuania. Mexican delegations participated in these historic competitions on numerous occasions, where their athletes demonstrated outstanding athletic excellence, won top awards, and contributed significantly to the growing international prestige of the tournament.

The long-standing cooperation between Mexico and Lithuania became an excellent example of how the World WFF-WBBF Federation united athletes, coaches, and sports officials from different continents. These sporting relationships not only promoted the development of bodybuilding and fitness but also encouraged friendship, cultural exchange, and mutual respect among nations.

Mexican Delegations at the International “Amber Prix” Tournaments in Klaipėda

The international “Amber Prix” tournaments held in Klaipėda became more than just prestigious sporting events—they also served as a platform for international cooperation and cultural diplomacy. Among the regular participants were delegations from Mexico, whose athletes and officials visited Lithuania on numerous occasions.

During their visits, the Mexican delegations took part not only in the competitions but also in a series of official events. They were received at the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania, where meetings were held to promote friendship and strengthen sporting and cultural ties between Lithuania and Mexico. The official program also included press conferences at ELTA, Lithuania's national news agency, where the tournaments, their participants, and the importance of international sports cooperation were presented to the public.

These visits demonstrate that the “Amber Prix” tournaments extended well beyond the realm of sport. They contributed to the international recognition of Klaipėda and Lithuania while fostering cooperation, cultural exchange, and lasting friendships among participating nations. The participation of Mexican delegations remains an important chapter in the history and international legacy of the Amber Prix tournaments.

Conclusions

The 2006 WFF-WBBF “Mexico Grand Prix” marked one of the most significant stages in the Federation's expansion throughout Latin America. The event strengthened the Mexican National WFF-WBBF Federation, which subsequently became an active participant in the Federation's international activities. Mexican athletes became regular competitors at World Championships as well as at the prestigious “Amber Prix” tournaments held in Klaipėda, Lithuania.

The achievements of Mexican athletes and the long-term cooperation between the Mexican and Lithuanian organizers made a valuable contribution to the international recognition of the “Amber Prix” tournament. Their participation further confirmed the World WFF-WBBF Federation's mission of bringing together the bodybuilding and fitness communities of different continents while promoting athletic excellence, friendship, and international cooperation.

More information is on international site www.wff.lt

Philosophical Reflections The Road Traveled in Life. The Road Traveled in Sport. Who Are You After All of It?

A life devoted to sport is a long and demanding journey. Along the way there are discoveries and achievements, victories and disappointments. As the years pass, we increasingly find ourselves saying farewell to colleagues, like-minded friends, and our "iron brothers."

We have already bid farewell to the pioneers of bodybuilding in Europe and Lithuania, the founders and leading representatives of the famous Vilnius School of Bodybuilding—Ceslav Tamulevic, Vitalij Asovskij, Riaard Krinickij, and Valerij Koreskov. Their life's work and accomplishments will remain forever in the history of world bodybuilding. They left behind not only remarkable sporting achievements but also an example for future generations.

After the collapse of the socialist world, we entered the era of Western democracy. Sport changed as well. What did we find? Some managed to adapt while remaining true to their principles, but many others were simply swallowed by the new system.

Today, athletes wander among dozens of bodybuilding federations. The choice is enormous. There is "natural" bodybuilding, countless alternative organizations, and every one of them crowns its own world champions. Every year, hundreds—perhaps even thousands—of new world champions are created. Yet within a year, few people remember their names. There was a time when every true bodybuilding enthusiast knew the world champions by name.

With only a few exceptions, modern bodybuilding has lost what once gave it its prestige: clear sporting value and genuine authority. Everyone is free to choose whatever path they prefer. Many now express themselves through sports festivals, which have become increasingly common. They offer titles, trophies, applause, and recognition.

But it is worth asking yourself one question: when your competitive career is over, years from now, will you truly be proud of the titles you won at festivals?

In just a few days, Vilnius will host Lithuania's famous Song Celebration—a magnificent cultural festival. Its participants also receive awards and public recognition. Is a victory at a sports festival fundamentally different from a victory at a cultural festival? Let every athlete answer that question for themselves.

It is regrettable that so many bodybuilders today rarely stop to reflect, analyze, or think strategically. Too often they move forward with confidence, yet without asking whether they are heading in the right direction. Visionary coaches and leaders—people capable of looking beyond the next competition and thinking about the future of the sport—have become increasingly rare.

After the death of Inar Mardo, Estonian bodybuilding was led for many years by a man – restaurant cook - better known for his personal connections than for sporting achievements. Another federation leader became widely known as a trader in the country's markets. Were these the sporting authorities capable of leading a national sport? Where is Estonian bodybuilding today? As for Latvia, its situation hardly inspires greater optimism.

Athletes—observe. Think. Analyze. Draw your own conclusions.

Life passes quickly. Lost time can never be recovered. That is why it is not enough simply to win today. What truly matters is choosing a path that you will still be proud of many years from now. Only then will the years devoted to sport have their deepest meaning.

WFF-WBBF South America

WFF–WBBF President for South America – Jorge Cedale

In recent years, growing political and economic tensions around the world have also affected international sports activities. Nevertheless, the history of the WFF–WBBF Federation preserves the memory of individuals whose dedication made a significant contribution to the organization's development across different continents. One of them was the long-serving WFF–WBBF President for South America, the Argentine Jorge Cedale (1958–2024).

South American bodybuilders began actively participating in international WFF–WBBF events in 1996. Since 2005 under Jorge Cedale's leadership, athletes from Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay competed in World Championships and other WFF–WBBF events held in Europe and Asia. Among them were Jamila Vanessa Toledo, Fernanda Yiouglar, Rosalia Dutra de Campos, Merina Broggia, Farreyra Maryangeles, Carolina Elizabeth Magnani, Antuanez Aurora Beatriz Faguendez, Alejandra Mariel Rubio, Liliana Escudeiro de Cangeri, Maria Sol Farinelli, Fernando Ariel Perdomo, Glayson Souto, Crecky Chavez, Dalvaniza Aquino, Cordeiro Ricardo Fernandes, Damascena Hugo Rafael de Almeida, Tourun Ignacio Daniel Torres, Alexandra Ximena Aguiar Fernandez, Antonio Osta, Maria Melgarejo Fernandez, and Claudia Mendoza Ramirez.

In 2011, the President of the World WFF–WBBF Federation, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras, visited Argentina to attend the annual South American WFF–WBBF Championship. During his years of service, Jorge Cedale organized eight South American Championships, which served as the principal qualifying events for the Federation's World Championships. The best athletes from these competitions went on to represent their countries successfully at international WFF–WBBF events in Europe and Asia.

In recognition of his outstanding contribution to the Federation, Jorge Cedale was awarded the WFF–WBBF “Honorary Silver Medal” in 2008. As a frequent participant in international WFF–WBBF events held in Lithuania, he was several times an honored guest at the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania and took part in international press conferences organized by the ELTA National News Agency. He also played an important role in strengthening the Federation's international relations.

Conclusions

Jorge Cedale was one of the most distinguished leaders of the WFF–WBBF Federation in South America. Through his efforts, a strong system of continental championships was established, providing athletes from South America with the opportunity to qualify for World Championships and gain international recognition.

For more than two decades, Jorge Cedale made an invaluable contribution to the growth of the WFF–WBBF Federation and to the expansion of international cooperation between South America, Europe, and Asia. His organizational achievements remain an important part of the Federation's history, and he will be remembered as one of the most dedicated and influential WFF–WBBF officials in South America.

More information is on international site www.wff.lt

“History of “Amber Prix”. “Mr. Absoliutus SSSR”

Sports organizers and administrators hold competitions in which athletes strive for victory and the highest achievements. It is through these competitions that victories and outstanding performances become known to the public through the media. Without sporting achievements, many athletes would remain unknown to the wider public.

Victories bring joy and pride not only to the athletes themselves, but also to their families, coaches, teammates, and the entire sporting community. Every victory is a recognition of years of hard work, perseverance, and dedication.

Although countless athletes compete in sporting events, only a select few leave a lasting mark on the history of sport through their exceptional achievements. These athletes become role models for younger generations and inspire others to pursue excellence and strive for the highest goals.

Today’s athletes usually know the strongmen of past decades only through stories and recollections. Yet there was a time when one man’s name resonated throughout the bodybuilding world of the Soviet Union. That man was Viktoras Jucys from Klaipeda. By the late 1980s, he had become the undisputed leader of Soviet bodybuilding. Vladimir Dubinin, President of the Russian IFBB Federation, once referred to him as “Mr. Absoliutus SSSR” – a title that perfectly reflected his dominance in competition during that era.

His journey to the top began in Klaipeda. The first time he saw the competitors of the famous “Amber Prix” tournament, he was astonished by their physiques and athleticism. Leaving the event, he made a promise to himself: “I will become like them.” That moment marked the beginning of a goal that would change his life.

He did not join a gym immediately. Instead, he began training alone in a garage near the seaside. The conditions were primitive. During winter he worked out wearing a heavy jacket and gloves to keep warm, and at times his evening training sessions were lit only by candlelight. Yet such hardships never discouraged him. Like many enthusiasts of that era, he learned discipline, perseverance, and the determination to pursue his dream regardless of circumstances.

After eventually joining a bodybuilding club, Viktoras was encouraged by his coach to compete. His first attempt, however, was unsuccessful. Disappointed, he turned his attention to karate. At that time, both bodybuilding and karate were viewed unfavorably by Soviet authorities and were, at various periods, effectively banned. Such restrictions only strengthened the commitment of those who practiced them. Having mastered the basics of martial arts, Jucys competed successfully until the authorities closed the city’s only karate club. He then returned to where his sporting journey had begun – the bodybuilding gym.

From that point on, training became the center of his life. The results soon followed. In 1984 and 1985, Jucys won the overall title in the youth division of the “Amber Prix” tournament. In 1985, he also captured first place at the “Komsomol Cup” competition in Kaunas. Soon afterward began the most remarkable period of his career.

From 1986 onward, Viktoras won every competition he entered. He claimed victory twice at the “White Nights” Tournament in Leningrad, won the “Amber Prix” three times, and became the overall champion of the first official USSR Bodybuilding Cup. He also accumulated nineteen victories in international competitions. During those years, he had no equal in the Soviet Union.

His physical attributes were equally impressive. Standing 174 centimeters tall, he weighed approximately 109 kilograms between competitions. Both his biceps and calves measured an extraordinary 50 centimeters in circumference. Jucys preferred training with extremely heavy weights, and although his workouts were relatively short, they were exceptionally intense. In the gym, certain pieces of equipment even acquired nicknames: “Viktoras’s barbell” and “Viktoras’s dumbbells.” These were weights so heavy that few other athletes dared to use them.

The story of Viktoras Jucys is the story of a man who rose from training in an unheated garage in Klaipeda to the pinnacle of Soviet bodybuilding. His achievements stand not only as a testament to extraordinary determination and talent, but also as an important chapter in the history of Lithuanian bodybuilding.

More information is on international site www.wff.lt

1976–1977 “AMBER PRIX” TOURNAMENTS.

THE FIRST PUBLIC BODYBUILDING COMPETITIONS IN THE USSR AFTER THE BAN.

In 1976, Edmundas Daubaras organized the “Amber Prix” tournament together with the “Zemaitija Cup” in the city of Telsiai, Lithuania. The strength events were held in one of the city’s schools, while the physique presentation program took place at the Telsiai Culture Palace. These competitions became the first publicly held bodybuilding contest in the Soviet Union after bodybuilding had been officially banned.

At that time, bodybuilding in the USSR was prohibited and actively persecuted by Soviet authorities. Nevertheless, Edmundas Daubaras succeeded in convincing the administration of the Culture Palace that the event violated no regulations. The competition was openly advertised to local residents, and the hall was filled with spectators. Organizing such an event involved considerable personal risk, but the tournament proceeded successfully and without consequences from the authorities.

Athletes from Vilnius, Klaipeda, and Siauliai participated in the event.

Winners of the 1976 Tournament

Junior Group Winners

Rimas Apulskis Stasys Stanius Rimas Cesaitis

Youth Group Winners

Antanas Basermanas Aimontas Dolgichas Evaldas Sorius

Adult Group Winners

Valentinas Vandys Risardas Krinickis

Overall Champions

Rimas Apulskis Evaldas Sorius Rišardas Krinickis

For comparison, an international bodybuilding event held in Kaunas the same year took place secretly in a factory cultural hall outside the city and without spectators. Another international bodybuilding competition organized in Kalinin (now Tver, RSFSR) was officially prohibited by authorities, yet athletes still staged the contest in a tiny local sports club as an act of protest. Only a small circle of supporters attended.

In 1976, while training at the Vilnius “Viktorija” club, Edmundas Daubaras met lawyer Grigorij Leonov, who had just graduated from the Faculty of Law at Vilnius University and had been appointed as a people’s judge in Klaipėda.

After Grigorij Leonov moved to Klaipeda, Edmundas Daubaras persuaded him to assume leadership of the city’s bodybuilding movement. The reasoning was practical: a judge’s position opened doors among city officials and made it easier to establish legal opportunities for athletes. While Edmundas Daubaras continued to manage organizational matters, Grigorij Leonov worked on creating legitimate legal foundations for bodybuilding activities in Klaipeda.

In 1977, the “Klaipeda Bodybuilding Federation” was officially registered under the Klaipeda City Sports Committee. This was an unprecedented development in the entire Soviet Union. Although bodybuilding remained banned throughout the USSR, Klaipeda now had an officially functioning bodybuilding federation. It remained the only legally operating bodybuilding federation in the Soviet Union until 1987, when the USSR Bodybuilding Federation was established under the USSR Ministry of Sports.

By legal means, all unofficial bodybuilding clubs in Klaipeda were closed, leaving only three clubs operating under the federation:

“Gintaras” — headed by Edmundas Daubaras “Satrija” — headed by Sigitas Vilutis “Alksnyne” — headed by Oleg Serov

The public competitions in Telsiai caused a sensation throughout the Soviet bodybuilding community. Many were astonished that such an event could take place openly. The leader of bodybuilding in the Estonian SSR, Innar Mardo (1945–2002), sent a letter of support to Edmundas Daubaras and promoted the “Amber Prix” tournament in Czechoslovak sports publications.

Encouraged by the success in Telsiai, Edmundas Daubaras, assisted by his father Vytautas Daubaras, organized the 1977 “Amber Prix” tournament at the Klaipeda Seaport Culture Palace. This event featured only physique presentation categories without strength exercises. Once again, the tournament was public, and local athletes personally spread information about the competition among supporters. The hall was filled with enthusiastic spectators.

Athletes from Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipeda participated in the 1977 tournament, which further strengthened Lithuania’s role as the center of unofficial Soviet bodybuilding during the years of prohibition.

1977 “Amber Prix” Tournament

In 1977, Edmundas Daubaras organized the public “Amber Prix” bodybuilding tournament at the Klaipeda Seaport Culture Palace. Athletes from Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipeda participated in the competition. The hall was full of spectators invited by the athletes and their supporters. These contests became one of the first public bodybuilding events in the Soviet Union after the sport had been officially banned.

Junior Division First Height Category

1st place – Viaceslav Chleborodov (Vilnius)
2nd place – Edvardas Burba (Klaipėda)
3rd place – Rimas Apulskis (Klaipėda)

Second Height Category

1st place – Boris Dolgov (Vilnius)
2nd place – Benas Uckus (Kaunas)
3rd place – Nikolajus Kuznecovas (Vilnius)

Third Height Category

1st place – Stepan Nevera (Vilnius)
2nd place – Evaldas Sorius (Klaipėda)
3rd place – Edvardas Miseniovas (Kaunas)

Adult Division First Height Category

1st place – Algimantas Kersulis (Vilnius)
2nd place – Vytautas Daubaras (Vilnius)
3rd place – Jonas Zurauskas (Kaunas)

Second Height Category

1st place – Kestutis Petrosius (Vilnius)
2nd place – Risardas Krinickis (Vilnius)
3rd place – Stasys Maksimovas (Kaunas)

Third Height Category

1st place – Stasys Cukanovas (Vilnius)
2nd place – Albertas Besakirskas (Kaunas)
3rd place – Vytautas Zenkevicius (Klaipėda)

Overall Winners

Junior Division – Borisas Dolgovas
Adult Division – Stasys Cukanovas

THE 1977 STRUGGLE AGAINST THE POLITICAL DECISIONS OF THE USSR AUTHORITIES. 1977: THE INTENSIFICATION OF BODYBUILDING PERSECUTION IN THE USSR

In 1977, Edmundas Daubaras once again travelled to the Czechoslovak SSR for two months under a university exchange program. The sports activity program was similar to that of previous years and included meetings with the President of the Czechoslovak Bodybuilding Federation, Vojtech Fiala, as well as with the federation’s vice-president, Professor Frantisek Bulva.

Seeking to demonstrate loyalty to their government, the Czechoslovak officials organized a meeting for Edmundas Daubaras, as a representative of Soviet bodybuilding, with the leadership of the Czechoslovak Ministry of Sports. At that time, the Czechoslovak Bodybuilding Federation already had its own office within the ministry, where the federation’s secretary, the well-known bodybuilder Peter Tlapak, was working.

Vojtech Fiala also arranged Edmundas Daubaras’ visit to the national Olympic training center located in a mountain resort area. At that time, members of the national bodybuilding team were preparing there for the World Championships. Meetings and discussions took place with athletes and coaches.

Later, Edmundas Daubaras visited the city of Brno, where Professor Frantisek Bulva organized two meetings of the Council of the Czechoslovak Bodybuilding Federation. Edmundas Daubaras attended these meetings as a guest and delivered a presentation on the situation of bodybuilding in the USSR.

1977: THE INTENSIFICATION OF BODYBUILDING PERSECUTION IN THE USSR

In 1977, the persecution of bodybuilding in the USSR intensified even further. The USSR Ministry of Sports issued directives calling for stricter measures against bodybuilding, and the sports ministries of the Soviet republics repeated and actively enforced these orders. At the same time, a coordinated campaign against bodybuilding began in the Soviet press. Particularly aggressive criticism came from journalist Dmitry Ivanov of the newspaper Sovietsky Sport. As pressure mounted, nearly all prominent bodybuilding organizers throughout the USSR fell silent.

Refusing to accept the situation and drawing inspiration from the examples he had witnessed in Czechoslovakia, Edmundas Daubaras began corresponding with the editorial office of Sovietsky Sport, the USSR Weightlifting Federation, and officials of the USSR Ministry of Sports. However, these efforts produced no positive results.

At the end of 1977, Edmundas Daubaras, together with the best bodybuilders of the city, took part in the “Georg Tenno Memorial” held in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. It was one of the most prestigious bodybuilding competitions in the USSR at the time. The most successful performance came from Patras Stanius, who won third place in the junior category.

You can find more information on international site www.wff.lt

Indian Athletes Have Developed a Strong Affection for the “Amber Prix” Tournament

Athletes from a number of Asian countries actively participate in the activities of the International WFF-WBBF Federation. Among the most prominent are India, Pakistan, and Turkey, while Egypt has also become increasingly active in recent years.

We first met Indian bodybuilders in 2008 at the WFF-WBBF “World Grand Prix” held in Greece. Closely following the activities of the international federation, Indian organizers staged the first WFF-WBBF India National Championship in 2010 and invited the federation’s leaders to attend. Since then, our cooperation has continued to grow, and we have participated in various events in India on as many as nineteen occasions.

Over the years, Indian athletes have become regular participants in the prestigious “Amber Prix” tournament held in Klaipeda, Lithuania. Many of them have won titles in their respective categories, while two Indian representatives, Dharminder Singh and Navtej Singh, achieved an exceptional distinction by becoming Overall Champions of the tournament.

The success of Indian athletes once again highlights the growing strength of bodybuilding in India and the close ties that have been established with the international WFF-WBBF community.

More information is on international site www.wff.lt

 “Amber Prix” – 60 Years: A Legend Rooted in the History of Klaipėda and World Sport

In May 2027, Klaipeda will become the center of a unique sporting and cultural event – the anniversary of one of the oldest traditional bodybuilding and fitness competitions in the world. The “Amber Prix” marks its 60th anniversary. This is not only a milestone, but a living history that over six decades has shaped generations of athletes, gathered thousands of participants, and left a distinct mark on the international sports community.

The anniversary event will span three days and promises to become an exceptional celebration bringing together sport, culture, history, and living legends. Distinguished representatives of the worlds of sport, public life, and culture from various countries are expected to be invited to Klaipeda.

Among the honorary guests are world-renowned personalities Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ralf Moeller, and Alexander Nevsky, the WFF–WBBF Federation representative in the United States. The names of these athletes have long been etched into the history of international bodybuilding.

All three have earned the prestigious “Mr. Universe” title and have gone on to build successful careers in the film industry as actors, directors, and producers. Their participation in the anniversary event would add exceptional international prestige to the celebration and make it a significant occasion for both the Lithuanian sporting community and visitors to the city.

The journey of the “Amber Prix” began at a time when bodybuilding was still forming its international identity, and the dissemination of information required exceptional dedication and belief in a vision. A special role in this movement’s history was played by Edmundas Daubaras, who in 1989 published the magazine “Arnoldas Švarcenegeris rekomenduoja” in an impressive print run of 2 million copies. This publication became not only training and educational material for athletes, but also a symbolic bridge connecting sportspeople across different countries and inspiring a new generation to pursue the highest goals.

Over the decades, the “Amber Prix” has grown into an international phenomenon where sport intertwines with culture, diplomacy, and personal stories. Representatives of public and political life from various countries have been involved in the activities of the WFF-WBBF federation. Among them was the former President of the Austrian Parliament, Professor Alfred Gerstl, who not only supported event initiatives but also attended competitions as an honorary guest, contributing to their international recognition.

Special symbolic significance in the history of the “Amber Prix” is also held by its earlier anniversaries. During the 40th jubilee, Klaipeda hosted an exhibition of original photographs of Arnold Schwarzenegger, presented through Professor A. Gerstl, as well as a documentary film about his life journey. These materials became a highlight of the event, attracting significant public attention.

During the 50th anniversary, the event reached an even broader international audience – through the mediation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania, a report from Klaipeda was broadcast to a global audience by CNN television. This became an important recognition not only of the event itself, but also of Lithuania’s contribution to the global bodybuilding movement.

Today, the “Amber Prix” looks to the future with even greater ambition and respect for its history. A newly released comprehensive book by Arnold Schwarzenegger “Arnold” serves as a reminder of the profound influence this figure has had on the entire sporting era, while the upcoming jubilee in Klaipeda becomes a living continuation of that legacy.

As the 60th anniversary approaches, another important project is being prepared at the initiative of the Klaipeda City Municipality administration and a group of enthusiasts – a large-scale historical book dedicated to the “Amber Prix” will be published. The text in Lithuanian is already completed, and translations into other languages are currently in progress, aiming to make the history of the event even more widely known around the world.

Today, the “Amber Prix” is more than a competition. It is a tradition that unites generations. A stage where legends are born. A name of Klaipeda resonating on the world map of sport. And a story that is far from over.

More information you can get on international site www.wff.lt

WORLD BODYBUILDING ENCYCLOPEDIA

WORLD’S OLDEST TRADITIONAL BODYBUILDING CONTESTS

Looking through the years and evaluating the status, significance, and historical value of competitions, three of the world’s oldest traditional bodybuilding contests that are still held today can be distinguished:

Nr. 1 – N.A.B.B.A. Universe

Organizer: National Amateur Body-Builders' Association (N.A.B.B.A.) Location: United Kingdom Established: 1950 First Overall Winner: Steve Reeves (USA)

Nr. 2 – Mr. Olympia

Founder: Joe Weider Location: United States Established: 1965 First Overall Winner: Larry Scott (USA)

Nr. 3 – Amber Prix International

Organizer: World Fitness Federation / World Bodybuilding Federation Location: Lithuania Established: 1967 First Overall Winner: Klemensas Alsauskas (Lithuania)

Remark

These competitions are considered the oldest traditional bodybuilding contests due to their historical continuity, international recognition, and significant contribution to the development of bodybuilding worldwide.

More information is on International Site www.wff.lt

2025 W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Activities in Scandinavia

News from Scandinavian Countries

Over the past three decades, the WFF–WBBF has consistently developed international cooperation with the Scandinavian region. Athletes from Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Norway regularly participate in the federation’s World and European championships, contributing to the development and promotion of bodybuilding and fitness sports in the region.

Within Scandinavian sports communities, bodybuilding remains a steadily growing discipline. Cooperation with international federations creates opportunities for athlete exchanges, referee education, and the harmonization of competition and organizational standards.

International Visits and Cooperation

In recent years, Edmundas Daubaras visited Finland, Sweden, and Denmark. During these visits, he met with leaders of national sports organizations, club representatives, and well-known Scandinavian bodybuilding athletes.

The main objectives of these visits included:

strengthening cooperation between national federations; expanding participation of young athletes in international competitions; discussing the organization of joint events and championships; aligning judging and competition standards.

In addition, official Scandinavian delegations have visited the headquarters of WFF–WBBF in Klaipėda on multiple occasions. Among them was Simo Bogdanoff, who actively participated in discussions regarding future sports projects and regional development initiatives.

The Role of Scandinavia in Federation Activities

The Scandinavian countries have long been an important part of the WFF–WBBF sporting system. Athletes from the region demonstrate a high level of preparation, and their participation in international events contributes to raising the overall quality and competitiveness of competitions.

This cooperation also contributes to:

the professionalization of sports in the region; the development of international club networks; the improvement of training and competition methodologies; strengthening the global image of bodybuilding as a sport.

The Kingdom of Denmark Honor Book

In 2008, in recognition of long-term international sporting activity, Edmundas Daubaras was included in the Honor Book of the Kingdom of Denmark upon the recommendation of the Danish National Federation.

The award was presented during the World Professional Championship held in Vilnius, in the presence of international sports delegations. This recognition is considered a significant acknowledgement within the global bodybuilding community.

In an official statement, Danish delegation leader Anders Buus emphasized that Mr. Daubaras:

“is a constant source of knowledge and experience for the world of bodybuilding sport. His contribution to fitness and bodybuilding is exceptional. He has always been the athletes’ No. 1 representative, and his work will remain significant for all those interested in this sport.”

The document also notes that he was included among distinguished international figures in the sporting community, including Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Conclusions

Long-term cooperation with Scandinavia demonstrates that the region is one of the most stable and active parts of WFF–WBBF international activity. International visits and dialogue between federation leadership and Scandinavian sports representatives contribute to the harmonization of sport standards and improvement of organizational quality. Participation of Scandinavian athletes enhances the competitive level of international championships and raises the prestige of the sport in the region. Institutional recognition (Honor Book of Denmark) shows that the activities of Edmundas Daubaras are acknowledged not only in sports but also by official sporting institutions. Overall trend indicates that bodybuilding and fitness sports in Scandinavia continue to grow steadily, with international cooperation serving as a key driver of development.

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