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

2009 “UNIVERSE” IN SLOVAKIA.

LETTER OF PRIME MINISTER SLOVAKIA.

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

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

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

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

INTERNATIONAL “HONOUR GOLD MEDAL”

PRESENT OF FORMER PRIME MINISTER SLOVAKIA.

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

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

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

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

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

PRIME MINISTER SLOVAKIA. OFFICIAL MEETING.

INTERNATIONAL HONOUR GOLD MEDAL “ FOR ROBERT FICO.

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

PRESIDENT OF PARLIAMENT VISITED INTERNATIONAL CONTEST.

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

OFFICIAL VIZIT TO PARLIAMENT SLOVAKIA.

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

PRIME MINISTER SLOVAKIA. OFFICIAL MEETING.

SECOND MEETING WITH ROBERT FICO.

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

SLOVAKIA PARLIAMENT AWARD COMES TO LITHUANIA.

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

„AWARD

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

Deputy Chairman of the National Council of Slovak Republic

Mgr. Art. Andrej Hrnciar“.

OFFICIAL VISIT TO EMBASSY CUBA.

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

FULL ARTICLE is on the way.

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WE ARE CREATING WORLD SPORT HISTORY.

CHAIRMEN INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION VISITED PRESIDENT REPUBLIC LITHUANIA.

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

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

OFFICIAL AND NOT OFFICIAL CZECHOSLOVAKIA.

MEETINGS AT SPORT MINISTRY.

BEGINNING. SITUATION IN SOCIALIST WORLD.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

IMPORTANT 1975. MEETINGS AT SPORT MINISTRY.

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

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

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

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

1977 MEETINGS AT SPORT MINISTRY.

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

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

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

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The Historic "Amber Prix" Tournament A Book Dedicated to the 60th Anniversary of the "Amber Prix"

In 2027, Klaipėda will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the “Amber Prix”, one of the world's oldest continuously held international bodybuilding and fitness tournaments. Preparations for this important milestone began as early as 2025. Initially, the idea was to commission exclusive commemorative medals for sports veterans and the individuals whose dedication helped shape the tournament's history. However, following suggestions from members of the sports community, historians, and various institutions, a far more meaningful initiative emerged—the publication of a historical book.

This decision soon proved to be well justified. Over the past six decades, the “Amber Prix” has become much more than a sporting event. Its history reflects not only athletic achievements but also political developments, economic changes, and cultural exchanges. Few traditional sporting competitions anywhere in the world can claim such a rich and multifaceted legacy.

Work on the project quickly gathered momentum. The manuscripts have already been completed in Lithuanian, English, and Russian. The current stage involves verifying historical facts, selecting archival photographs, and completing the final editorial revisions.

As the writing progressed, it became clear that simply recounting the history of the “Amber Prix” would not be enough. The tournament's true significance cannot be understood without placing it within the broader historical development of bodybuilding itself. For this reason, the book also provides a concise overview of the international evolution of bodybuilding and fitness, tracing their origins and highlighting the most important stages in their development.

To date, no comprehensive history of bodybuilding has been published anywhere in the world. Many legendary athletes—including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Serge Nubret, Vladimir Dubinin, and others—have written autobiographical books that focus primarily on their own careers, touching only briefly on the broader history of the sport. Likewise, the historical publication on Lithuanian bodybuilding offers only a limited perspective, concentrating mainly on the activities of one international federation and the history of a single Lithuanian city.

This book therefore seeks to fill at least part of that historical gap. Although its primary focus is the “Amber Prix” tournament, it also preserves significant events, personalities, and milestones from the history of bodybuilding in Lithuania and around the world. It is not intended to be the definitive history of the sport; rather, we hope it will provide a solid foundation for future researchers and authors who will continue exploring this remarkable story in greater depth.

Conclusions

History survives only as long as it is remembered and passed on to future generations. If the most important facts are not documented today, they may be lost forever tomorrow. The history of the “Amber Prix” is far more than the chronicle of a single tournament. It is a testament to the development of Lithuanian bodybuilding, international sporting cooperation, and the dedication of several generations of athletes, organizers, and enthusiasts.

This book is our tribute to all those who created the “Amber Prix” and helped make Lithuania known throughout the international bodybuilding community. We hope it will not only preserve the past but also inspire future generations to continue this legacy, appreciate the history of their sport, and take pride in its achievements.

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2008 INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT "AMBER PRIX".

Is there anyone in the world today who can compare to him?

Klaipėda, Lithuania, 2008

In 2008, alongside the international “Amber Prix” tournament held in Klaipėda, the organizers of the global WFF–WBBF federation were actively working on staging the traditional “Universe” competition in Vilnius, as well as the WBBF World Professional Championship. At the same time, the WFF World Professional Championship, featuring substantial prize money, was again organized in Prague at the Žofín Palace by Czech businessman Martin Kuta.

Following a meeting between the leaders of the WFF-WBBF Federation and the Minister of Sport of the Republic of Poland, Zbigniew Pacelt, Bydgoszcz businessman Jerzy Gotowski took the initiative to organize the WFF-WBBF World Amateur Championship in his city.

This important decision became a significant step in strengthening the Federation’s international recognition and promoting the development of bodybuilding and fitness sports throughout Europe. The organization of the event brought together the efforts of the city authorities, the business community, and sports organizations, while the championship itself became one of the most important WFF-WBBF sporting events of the year.

The World Amateur Championship held in Bydgoszcz gathered athletes from numerous countries and further reinforced the Federation’s position in the international sports arena.

“Amber Prix”

The anniversary edition of the Amber Prize Tournament in Klaipėda received exceptional recognition from the Lithuanian state. It was supported by the Government of the Republic of Lithuania, while the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania adopted a decision to include funding for the Amber Prize Tournament as a separate line item in the national budget.

The tournament was held in the spacious sports hall of LCC International University. Spectator interest was so great that, after all seats had been filled, several hundred people watched the competitions standing. This once again demonstrated the tournament’s outstanding popularity and its significance in Lithuania’s sporting life.

The 2008  "Amber Prix" competition took place in the sports hall of LCC International University.

On the occasion of the event, former President of the Austrian Parliament Professor Alfred Gerstl presented the people of Klaipeda with a unique collection of original photographs of his protégé, then Governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger, as well as a documentary film depicting Schwarzenegger’s life journey and athletic career.

The photographs were displayed in an exhibition held on the premises of LCC International University, while the documentary film was screened for the large audience gathered to watch the competition.

The official opening ceremony was attended by members of the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania, representatives of national and municipal institutions, and other distinguished guests. The event was filmed by a production crew from the Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT), which had arrived from Vilnius.

During the 2008 “Amber Prix” tournament, both living and deceased veterans were honored. After the competition, heads of foreign delegations visited the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania and the Ministry of Sport of the Republic of Lithuania, and also attended a press conference held at the ELTA news agency.

On the occasion of the event, a historical trilingual magazine (10,000 copies) and 3,000 copies of the competition DVD were published. These materials were distributed free of charge at various international events around the world.

A total of 293 athletes from 21 countries participated in the event: Argentina, Austria, Belarus, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Latvia, Lithuania, Mexico, Montenegro, Poland, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Finland, and Ukraine.

OVERALL CHAMPIONS

Women's Overall Champion: Jamila Vanessa Toledo (Argentina)

Men's Overall Champion: Darius Buksnaitis (Lithuania)

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