CNN Report from Klaipėda – An Unprecedented Event in Lithuania.

Until recently, the idea that CNN would produce a report from Klaipėda would have seemed almost unimaginable. One might have assumed that one of the world's largest television networks would only take an interest in Lithuania's seaport city because of a natural disaster, a political crisis, or another event of global significance.

This time, however, it was sport that attracted international attention.

The 50th Anniversary International "Amber Prize" Tournament, held together with the WFF-WBBF "Universe" Championship in Klaipėda, generated unexpected worldwide interest. Although bodybuilding and fitness rarely receive coverage from major international broadcasters, these competitions attracted the attention of CNN.

The event brought together 198 athletes from 17 countries: Belgium, Belarus, Estonia, Germany, India, Italy, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Serbia, Slovakia, South Africa, Russia, Turkey, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and Uzbekistan. The broad international participation once again confirmed that the WFF-WBBF championships organized in Klaipėda had long since outgrown the status of national competitions and had become significant international sporting events.

The decisive turning point came after the Indian national team returned home. Indian media extensively covered their athletes' performances and victories in Klaipėda, and these publications caught the attention of CNN's editorial staff.

While preparing its report, CNN journalists contacted the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania in New Delhi, requesting official information and video material. The embassy forwarded the request to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania, which in turn contacted Dr. Edmundas Daubaras. Under his coordination, Svetlana Pugacheva, Chair of the WFF-WBBF Technical Committee, prepared the official information and video archive that were subsequently provided to CNN.

Shortly afterwards, CNN broadcast a report introducing Lithuania, the city of Klaipėda, and the international WFF-WBBF championships held there to its global audience.

The report was significant not only for the federation and the event organizers. It represented international recognition that bodybuilding and fitness championships organized in Lithuania had reached world-class standards. It is particularly symbolic that the path to CNN began not in Lithuania but in India, where extensive media coverage of the athletes' achievements encouraged CNN journalists to investigate the event further.

The broadcast became one of the most important international recognitions of the WFF-WBBF Federation's activities. It demonstrated that the organization's reputation, built over many years through professionally organized championships and the consistent work of Dr. Edmundas Daubaras in developing the global bodybuilding and fitness movement, had earned genuine international acknowledgment.

Millions of CNN viewers heard the names of Lithuania and Klaipėda in the context of international sport, professional event organization, and international cooperation. Such worldwide exposure was not achieved through advertising campaigns but through decades of dedicated work, making this a landmark achievement for Klaipėda, Lithuanian bodybuilding, and the entire WFF-WBBF Federation.

Conclusions

CNN's report on the international WFF-WBBF championships held in Klaipėda became an exceptional milestone in the history of Lithuanian sport. The attention of one of the world's leading television networks was earned through the international scale of the competitions and their impact far beyond Lithuania's borders.

The event demonstrated that years of dedicated work, professional organization of international championships, and strong global partnerships can open the doors to the world's most influential media organizations. Klaipėda became the city from which the story of Lithuanian sport reached millions of viewers around the world.

More information is on international site www.wff.lt

क्लाइपेडा से CNN की रिपोर्ट – लिथुआनिया के इतिहास में एक अभूतपूर्व घटना

कुछ समय पहले तक यह कल्पना करना भी कठिन था कि CNN क्लाइपेडा से कोई विशेष रिपोर्ट प्रसारित करेगा। यह माना जा सकता था कि दुनिया का यह प्रतिष्ठित समाचार चैनल लिथुआनिया के इस बंदरगाह शहर में केवल किसी प्राकृतिक आपदा, राजनीतिक संकट या वैश्विक महत्व की घटना के कारण ही रुचि लेगा।

लेकिन इस बार दुनिया का ध्यान खेल ने आकर्षित किया।

क्लाइपेडा में आयोजित 50वीं वर्षगांठ अंतरराष्ट्रीय "Amber Prize" Tournament तथा WFF-WBBF "Universe" Championship ने अप्रत्याशित रूप से वैश्विक ध्यान आकर्षित किया। यद्यपि बॉडीबिल्डिंग और फिटनेस प्रतियोगिताएँ सामान्यतः विश्व के प्रमुख समाचार माध्यमों में स्थान नहीं पातीं, फिर भी इस आयोजन ने CNN का ध्यान अपनी ओर खींच लिया।

प्रतियोगिता में 17 देशों के 198 एथलीटों ने भाग लिया। इनमें बेल्जियम, बेलारूस, एस्टोनिया, भारत, इटली, यूनाइटेड किंगडम, साइप्रस, लातविया, लिथुआनिया, दक्षिण अफ्रीका, रूस, सर्बिया, स्लोवाकिया, तुर्की, यूक्रेन, उज्बेकिस्तान और जर्मनी शामिल थे। प्रतिभागियों की यह व्यापक अंतरराष्ट्रीय उपस्थिति इस बात का प्रमाण थी कि क्लाइपेडा में आयोजित WFF-WBBF प्रतियोगिताएँ बहुत पहले ही राष्ट्रीय स्तर से आगे बढ़कर प्रतिष्ठित अंतरराष्ट्रीय खेल आयोजनों का स्वरूप ग्रहण कर चुकी थीं।

निर्णायक मोड़ तब आया जब भारतीय राष्ट्रीय टीम अपने देश लौटी। भारत के समाचार माध्यमों ने क्लाइपेडा में भारतीय खिलाड़ियों के प्रदर्शन और उनकी उपलब्धियों को व्यापक रूप से प्रकाशित किया। इन्हीं समाचारों ने CNN के संपादकीय विभाग का ध्यान आकर्षित किया।

अपनी रिपोर्ट तैयार करने के लिए CNN के पत्रकारों ने नई दिल्ली स्थित लिथुआनिया गणराज्य के दूतावास से आधिकारिक जानकारी और वीडियो सामग्री का अनुरोध किया। दूतावास ने यह अनुरोध लिथुआनिया के विदेश मंत्रालय को भेजा, जिसने डॉ. एडमुंडस दौबारस से संपर्क किया। उनके समन्वय में WFF-WBBF की तकनीकी समिति की अध्यक्ष स्वेतलाना पुगाचेवा ने आधिकारिक जानकारी और वीडियो अभिलेख तैयार किए, जिन्हें बाद में CNN को उपलब्ध कराया गया।

कुछ ही समय बाद CNN ने अपने वैश्विक दर्शकों के लिए लिथुआनिया, क्लाइपेडा और वहाँ आयोजित अंतरराष्ट्रीय WFF-WBBF प्रतियोगिताओं पर विशेष रिपोर्ट प्रसारित की।

यह केवल एक खेल समाचार नहीं था। यह इस बात की अंतरराष्ट्रीय मान्यता थी कि लिथुआनिया में आयोजित बॉडीबिल्डिंग और फिटनेस प्रतियोगिताएँ विश्व स्तरीय आयोजनों के रूप में स्थापित हो चुकी हैं। विशेष रूप से उल्लेखनीय यह तथ्य है कि CNN तक पहुँचने का मार्ग लिथुआनिया से नहीं, बल्कि भारत से प्रारंभ हुआ। भारतीय मीडिया में प्रकाशित समाचारों ने ही CNN के पत्रकारों को इस आयोजन के बारे में और अधिक जानकारी प्राप्त करने के लिए प्रेरित किया।

यह रिपोर्ट WFF-WBBF महासंघ की अंतरराष्ट्रीय प्रतिष्ठा का एक महत्वपूर्ण प्रमाण बनी। इसने सिद्ध किया कि वर्षों से निर्मित संगठन की प्रतिष्ठा, पेशेवर ढंग से आयोजित चैंपियनशिप और विश्व स्तर पर बॉडीबिल्डिंग तथा फिटनेस आंदोलन के विकास के लिए डॉ. एडमुंडस दौबारस के निरंतर प्रयासों को वास्तविक अंतरराष्ट्रीय मान्यता प्राप्त हुई है।

CNN के करोड़ों दर्शकों ने पहली बार लिथुआनिया और क्लाइपेडा का नाम अंतरराष्ट्रीय खेल, उत्कृष्ट आयोजन क्षमता और वैश्विक सहयोग के संदर्भ में सुना। यह वैश्विक पहचान किसी विज्ञापन अभियान का परिणाम नहीं थी, बल्कि दशकों की निरंतर मेहनत और समर्पण का प्रतिफल थी। यह उपलब्धि क्लाइपेडा, लिथुआनियाई बॉडीबिल्डिंग तथा संपूर्ण WFF-WBBF महासंघ के लिए एक ऐतिहासिक क्षण बन गई।

निष्कर्ष

क्लाइपेडा में आयोजित अंतरराष्ट्रीय WFF-WBBF प्रतियोगिताओं पर CNN की रिपोर्ट लिथुआनियाई खेल इतिहास की एक असाधारण उपलब्धि थी। विश्व के सबसे प्रभावशाली समाचार नेटवर्कों में से एक का ध्यान इस आयोजन को उसके अंतरराष्ट्रीय स्तर और विश्वव्यापी प्रभाव के कारण प्राप्त हुआ।

इस घटना ने यह सिद्ध कर दिया कि वर्षों का समर्पित कार्य, अंतरराष्ट्रीय प्रतियोगिताओं का पेशेवर आयोजन और वैश्विक खेल समुदाय के साथ मजबूत संबंध विश्व की सबसे प्रभावशाली समाचार संस्थाओं तक पहुँचने का मार्ग खोल सकते हैं। क्लाइपेडा वह शहर बन गया जहाँ से लिथुआनिया के खेल की कहानी दुनिया भर के करोड़ों लोगों तक पहुँची।

BODYBUILDING CIRCUS AROUND THE WORLD.

LOTS OF MICKEY-MOUSE FEDERATIONS.

WE SPEAK WITH ATHLETES.

Forty years ago we were explaining athletes about official sport and about the BASIC questions of various federations. This is ABC of every athlete. Do not be dreamers and learn real matters. As we see many do not like the truth. Sportsmen waist their time, energy, money. They are glad about their “great” achievements at competitions. But - this result for official sport is ZERO. Find yourselves who is guilty  - maybe your leaders, maybe trainers, maybe somebody else.

STEP ONE. INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION.

We do not want to offend anybody. All of today working forty International bodybuilding federations play zero role in official recognized sport. That are “mickey - mouse” federations. Just ZERO. Official International Sport organizations do not recognize a single one of them. Let us speak about some of those “federations”. What do You know about Your federation? Since 1990 we came inside of many International Bodybuilding Organizations. Step by step we learned about their zero value in sport. Athletes were cheated and still are cheated.

I.F.B.B. (International Federation of Body Builders)

Due to efforts of American BOB HOFFMAN (Robert Collins Hoffman, 1898 – 1985) since 1947 until 1969 World’s official bodybuilding sport was ruled by a member of the International Olympic Committee (I.O.C.) International F.I.H.C. (Fédération Internationale Haltérophile et Culturiste) federation.

In 1970 general secretary of F.I.H.C. British OSCAR STATE (Oscar State, Obe, 1911-1984) during Belgrade (Yugoslavia) Congress created the I.F.B.B. sport federation. Until that time I.F.B.B. was a private company and played zero role in official sport. Again due to the efforts of OSCAR STATE in 1971 I.F.B.B. became a member of G.A.I.S.F. (Global Association of International Sports Federations) and ruled World’s official bodybuilding sport until 1998.

In 1998 after two years trial I.F.B.B. was thrown out of the I.O.C.. Since that time bodybuilding is no more sport. Only former Communist Countries and several Asia Countries still recognize and finance National I.F.B.B. federations. Full article about the I.F.B.B. You can find on International Site www.wff.lt

N.A.B.B.A. (National Amateur Body Building Association).

After long correspondence with N.A.B.B.A. Chairman OSCAR HEIDENSTAM we were working with N.A.B.B.A. since 1991 until 2005. After some time N.A.B.B.A. Chairman IVAN DUNBAR informed us that N.A.B.B.A. is not an association of federation - it is by law a public club. How officially registered in Lithuania Republic sport federation can be a member of a public club? Sounds childish… After death of OSCAR HEIDENSTAM in 1991 until now N.A.B.B.A. had no another leader like him. Full article about N.A.B.B.A. is already published on International Site www.wff.lt

W.F.F. (World Fitness Federation).

In 1995 DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS, German KLAUS HOFFMANN (Klaus P.J.Hoffmann), Austrian PETER PAPULA, Greek ANARGIROS TSOPOURIDIS came to Germany where they established World Fitness Federation (W.F.F. - International). Power zones were set up - KLAUS HOFFMANN took the leadership on the “Western” countries and DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS went on leading “East” countries. DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS  brought former socialist countries in the game. Supported by the Government Republic Lithuania in 1996, 1997, 1998 DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS organized European Championships in Klaipeda, Vilnius and Palanga. At that time there was no official registration of the W.F.F. federation - somehow KLAUS HOFFMANN was against it. The situation did not satisfy us. DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS was closely working with the Ministry of Sport of the Lithuanian Republic. According the law we needed official registration. Virtual W.F.F. was nothing. Then in 1998 DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS registered official W.F.F. federation and organized the 1998 W.F.F. World Championship in Palanga (Lithuanian Republic). The championship was supported and financed by the Government Republic Lithuania. It was televised by “Eurosport” television. Step by step KLAUS HOFFMANN left the W.F.F. federation. In 2003 he told he can not organize International contests any more. Uniting both parts of the federation the full power of W.F.F. went to DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS. Exceptional prestige of W.F.F. rose up after tremendous 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 W.F.F. World Championships which were held in Vilnius and Klaipeda (Lithuanian Republic). For example - at 2005 W.F.F. World Championship in Vilnius participated 742 athletes from 42 countries. Lithuania Parliament voted to finance 2008 W.F.F. Event in Klaipeda through the separate line in the Budget of the Republic Lithuania. All above mentioned championships were supported and financed by the Government Republic Lithuania. Seeing great growth of the W.F.F. federation KLAUS HOFFMANN stopped connection with the federation and in 2005 registered his own W.F.F. federation in Germany. This federation was closed in 2013.

GAMES OF GRAEME LANCEFIELD.

Several years ago appeared Australian GRAEME LANCEFIELD who was unknown to the International Sport Society. GRAEME LANCEFIELD used the name of W.F.F., our W.F.F. history (working since 1968, “Amber Prix International”, etc.). When we wrote that we will address the International Court, then GRAEME LANCEFIELD stopped using traditional W.F.F. history. But he uses W.F.F. name anyway. Still it is not clear if W.F.F. of GRAEME LANCEFIELD egzists by law or it is only his private games. Anyway there are many not educated athletes who do not know our sport history and who do not know anything about W.F.F. federation. This way GRAEME LANCEFIELD can play his games. Detailed articles about W.F.F. federation will be published in the third part of the “World Bodybuilding Encyclopedia” soon. Look for the information on International Site www.wff.lt .

N.A.C. (National Athletic Committee)

When in 2000 KLAUS HOFFMANN stopped working properly with W.F.F. federation in Germany, several people left German W.F.F. an then appeared N.A.C.. N.A..C. is National German organization. No official International or National Institutions recognize and support N.A.C.. N.A.C. has nothing to do with official sport. Working more that twenty years N.A.C. did nothing noticeable for our sport. All N.A..C. events were made in Europe only. Outside Europe nobody even heard of N.A..C.. Maybe somebody can say what are aims of N.A.C.??? In 2005 in Italy Chairmen N.A.C. addressed President W.F.F. - W.B.B.F. International (World Fitness Federation, World Bodybuilding Federation) DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS. They wanted to cooperate activities. DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS refused - there was no future and no sense in that.

N.P.C. (National Physique Committee)

For many decades amateur bodybuilding in USA was ruled by A.A.U. (Amateur Ayhletic Union). Established in 1888 A.A.U. was a member of the International Olympic Committee (I.O.C.). In the USA even a member of G.A.I.S.F. (Global Association of International Sports Federations) I.F.B.B. (International Federation of Body Builders), federation could not fight against N.P.C.. Remember, in 1970 F.I.H.C. (Fédération Internationale Haltérophile et Culturiste)  General Secretary OSCAR STATE in Belgrade (Yugoslavia) created the I.F.B.B. sport federation. Until that time I.F.B.B. was a private company. Finally after discussion with I.F.B.B. President BEN WEIDER a member of A.A.U. JIM MANION left A.A.U. and established N.P.C. in 1983. This way N.P.C. escaped of doping control too. JIM MANION agreed with WEIDER brothers JOE and BEN this way - all World Amateur bodybuilding was ruled by I.F.B.B. of BEN WEIDER and Amateur bodybuilding in USA was ruled by N.P.C. of JIM MANION. At the same time N.P.C. was representing I.F.B.B. in USA. Professional bodybuilding was under JOE WEIDER. N.P.C. had been never recognized by any Official International Sport Organization. In 2015 after death of WEIDER brothers previous agreement had no more power and N.P.C. left the I.F.B.B. of Spanish RAFAEL SANTONJA. RAFAEL SANTONJA was thrown out of America and never appeared there any more. Fighting for money at the moment N.P.C. with it’s contests goes aggressively around the World pushing I.F.B.B. of RAFAEL SANTONJA out of the game.

W.A.B.B.A. (World Amateur Body Building Association).

Several years athletes of Lithuanian Republic participated at W.A.B.B.A. competitions. Lithuanians never organized a single W.A.B.B.A.  contest in the country. Collecting 2-3 athletes of other National federations W.A.B.B.A.  organizers used to go abroad to compete. In general there were no results in this activities.

W.A.B.B.A.  appeared in 1976 after in 1975 I.F.B.B. (International Federation of Body Builders) President BEN WEIDER because of sexual affairs threw away from his federation his Vice President and famous France bodybuilder SERGE NUBRET. Having no knowledge about International Sport requirements SERGE NUBRET registered only name and logo of W.A.B.B.A.. Nothing was serious and official. Our last information of W.A.B.B.A. is that it belongs to a protein shop of French FABIAN DE BECK. In fact in 1975 it was the first time I.F.B.B. was split and divided. SERGE NUBRET took out of I.F.B.B. a number of National Presidents and Athletes from Asia and Africa countries.

OTHER FEDERATIONS

Looking through 100 years history of bodybuilding we can make some conclusions.

During the last century several decades World was divided into Capitalist (Western) and Socialist (Eastern) parts. Both parts were separated by the “Iron Wall” and did not communicate in between anyway. Bodybuilders of both parts did not communicate too. Also have in mind that bodybuilding was prohibited in the Socialist World since 1973 until 1987.

When Socialist World was ruined in 1995 was created World Fitness Federation (W.F.F. - International) which took the leadership of bodybuilding in some Europe and former Socialist countries. Later International fitness and bodybuilding were separated and since that time fitness was ruled by W.F.F. - International and bodybuilding was ruled by the World Body Building Federation (W.B.B.F. - International).

During the last thirty years appeared about forty “International” bodybuilding federations led by ill minded people. For every clever bodybuilder is evident - if one is not afraid of doping control - there is with it’s law and finance problems in 1970 in Belgrade (Yugoslavia) by F.I.H.C.  (Fédération Internationale Haltérophile et Culturiste) General Secretary OSCAR STATE created International Federation of Body Builders (I.F.B.B.); when one do not want doping control - there is old traditional National Amateur Body Building Association (N.A.B.B.A.). Everything is clear as daylight - the three above mentioned organizations rule International bodybuilding and fitness. Why other bodybuilding federations needed? What are their aims? Seems like childrens game... These federations have never been recognized by any Governmental or International Sport Structure. Their work is of zero value. First we met this nonsense forty years ago when two bodybuilders of Estonian SSR went to Italy to participate at “Europe” Championship. After coming back they kept silence. The reason was - there were only several participants from two countries - Italy and Estonia. The organizer was a private person representing no federation. In 2000 - 2005 Lithuanian bodybuilders were participating at the contests of the International federation of homosexual bodybuilders (today bodybuilders of Republic Poland are active in this field). Ok, anyway we can understand organization like this. From time to time we hear about another misunderstanding - the International Federation of “natural bodybuilders”. Natural bodybuilders are like alcoholics without alcohol... Every day primitive bodybuilders are fooled and cheated.

Since 1999 Italians started to participate at International W.F.F. - W.B.B.F. contests. They organized Italian contest for many years and now they wanted to organize official International contests in Italy. We told them how to create official federation. Now they have logo, they have name and still there is no federation. Organizers of this Italian group used to fight in between. So this way for several years another “International” federation appeared in France. After another Italian fight ten years ago one more “International” federation appeared in Slovenia.

Bodybuilders have problems with brains?

Today many idiotic categories appeared at bodybuilding contests - like bikini, wellness... Whom you are fooling? It is women bodybuilding and be smart - it is bad women bodybuilding. You want to say it is fitness? No - fitness is without doping. All activities with doping is bodybuilding. Do not lie for yourself and for other people. Let these “bikinies” and “welness” bodybuilders participate together with a real bodybuilder... Nonsense - they are weak athletes and they have no chances to participate at normal bodybuilding contests successfully. This is the reason that “bikinies” appeared. With men’s bodybuilding situation is the same. For example - lazy bodybuilders do not train legs. For them we have “Men’s Physique” category. Participants are representing bodybuilding and in fact they are bad bodybuilders. No legs, no calves... In normal bodybuilding fight they have no chances... So what is the value of their wins? Nothing... Weak bodybuilders participate at contests of “mickey - mouse” federations and in “mickey - mouse” categories and they become champions. What is the value of their titles? Nothing... Is anybody really proud of this?

The article will be continued. Full information is on International site www.wff.lt

World Fitness Federation
(W.F.F. -International)
World Bodybuilding Federation
(W.B.B.F. - International)
International Contest "Lithuania Cup Open"
OVER ALL WINNERS
(1975-2025)
MEN
Year, Over All Winner, Country.
2025 BRANDON GABRIELIUS AUKSTUOLIS, Lithuania

2024 PAULIUKEVICIUS ANDRIUS, Lithuania

2023 MALAKAUSKAS VIDMANTAS, Lithuania

2022 PRANCKEVICIUS VILIUS, Lithuania

2021 MALAKAUSKAS VIDMANTAS, Lithuania

2020 REMIGIJUS CIPLYS, Lithuania

2019 LEMANCZYK RAFAL, Poland

2018 NORMUNDS JURANS, Latvia
2017 DMITRIJ ALEKSANDROV, Russia
2016 NIKOLAJ ABRAMOV, Russia
2015 ROMAN POLSIN, Estonia
2014 MINDAUGAS PIEPOLIS, Lithuania
2013 ARVYDAS MISEIKIS, Lithuania
2012 EDUARD SEVCENKO, Latvia
2011 ANDRIUS PAULIUKEVICIUS, Lithuania
2010 ANDRIUS PAULIUKEVICIUS, Lithuania
2009 DAINIUS DZIKEVICIUS, Lithuania
2008 SERGEJ KIRIUCHIN, Lithuania
2007 JURIJ SOLIONOV, Lithuania
2006 ALEKSANDR LIUBOMIROV, Latvia
2005 MARIUS LEONAVICIUS, Lithuania
2004 VLADIMIR MARACHOVSKIJ, Latvia
2003 MARIK STEFANOVIC, Lithuania
2002 VLADISLAV LABUDZ, Latvia
2001 MINDAUGAS KVASYS, Lithuania
2000 ARTURAS BARTKUS, Lithuania
1999 ALGIRDAS KILCIAUSKAS, Lithuania
1998 VLADISLAV PETROGRADOV, Estonia
1997 GEDIMINAS BACEVICIUS, Lithuania
1996 ROMAN IVANOV, Russia
1995 ALGIRDAS KILCIAUSKAS, Lithuania
1994 ALGIRDAS KILCIAUSKAS, Lithuania
1987 RIMONTAS MAZIONIS, Lithuania
1986 VIKTORAS JUCYS, Lithuania
1977 STASYS CUKANOVAS, Lithuania
1976 RISARD KRINICKIJ, Lithuania
1975 RISARD KRINICKIJ, Lithuania

WOMEN
Year, Over All Winner, Country.
2025 EMA SACKUTE, Lithuania

2024 MARINA LEGENZOVA, Lithuania

2023 VILMA POVILONIENE, Lithuania

2022 AKVILE SARKAITE, Lithuania

2021 KARINA RADZIABOVA, Lithuania

2020 MAGILINSKAJA JULIJA, Lithuania

2019 MALGORZATA KUREK, Poland

2018 OLGA LISTOPADOVA, Belarus
2017 JANA ZENOVYCH-LESHKEVYCH, Latvia
2016 ASTA BUTKUTE, Lithuania
2015 SINTIJA KATKEVICA, Latvia
2014 GREFFEL LEONOR HILARIO, Denmark
2013 INDRE RIMKUTE, Lithuania
2012 SVETLANA PUGACHEVA, Russia
2011 SANDRA SYCIOVA, Lithuania
2010 ZITA SATKAUSKAITE, Lithuania
2009 AUSRA TASIUKEVICIUTE, Lithuania
2008 KRISTINA SERKSNAITE, Lithuania
2007 JOLANTA MILERIUTE, Lithuania
2006 JOLANTA MILERIUTE, Lithuania
2005 JOLANTA MILERIUTE, Lithuania
2004 MARINA BURINSKAJA, Latvia
2003 JOLANTA MILERIUTE, Lithuania
2002 ALEKSANDRA KUKRES, Lithuania
2001 JOLANTA MILERIUTE, Lithuania
2000 AKSANA LEN, Lithuania
1999 LIJANA MASIULIENE, Lithuania
1998 JULIJA KISELIOVA, Lithuania
1997 EDITA DAUBARAITE, Lithuania
1996 IRINA MISEVICIENE, Lithuania
1995 SIMONA MISEVICIENE, Lithuania
1994 IDALIJA KAMINSKAITE, Lithuania

Secretary W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. International
UGNE RAUDYTE DAUBARIENE

INFORMATION.
More detailed information on the Global International Site www.wff.lt, see forum topics.

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

60 YEARS 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.

At the several hours lasting discussion with Professor Dr. VYTAUTAS LANDSBERGIS took part President of the International W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. federation DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS, for social work awarded with Honour Diploma of the International U.N.E.S.C.O. organization President of the Lithuania Sport Fitness Federation DARIUS DAUBARAS, representing „Rotary“ Club of the Lithuanian Republic Docent of the Klaipeda University historic VIDIMANTAS RAUDYS.

BLOCKADE TELEGRAMS

In 2015 communication with Professor Dr. VYTAUTAS LANDSBERGIS DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS spoke about 1990 possibilities to ruin the U.S.S.R. economic Lithuania blockade. At that time knowing about the difficulties with goods and products bodybuilders of German Democratic Republic (D.D.R.) proposed their help to the Lithuanian Republic. DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS received their two telegrams. Germans suggested to address the Government of Lithuania as nobody had so much money at that time. DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS called to the Government and spoke with the Prime Minister KAZIMIERA PRUNSKIENE. Then she refused the help of the D.D.R. businessmen and bodybuilders. Hearing this Professor Dr. VYTAUTAS LANDSBERGIS asked to give him those telegrams. The archieves of the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. International are really rich and big. Only now the telegrams were found. During the 2026 visit to the President Republic Lithuania Professor Dr. VYTAUTAS LANDSBERGIS DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS presented him the telegrams.

INTERNATIONAL HONORABLE AWARD.

No one other President of the Republic Lithuania is so much historically connected with International Bodybuilding sport but Professor Dr. VYTAUTAS LANDSBERGIS. During the meeting with Professor International W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. President DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS awarded Dr. VYTAUTAS LANDSBERGIS with the Highest International Honour Award – the „International Honour Gold Medal“.

INTERNATIONAL HONOUR GOLD MEDAL AWARDS.

In 2008 celebrating it’s 40 years activities W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. International issued “International Honour Medals”. The medals were of two kinds – Gold and Silver. Silver medals were presented for persons who were highly involved in the development of International sport. Gold medals were presented to persons who’s work or personal power influenced International sport highly. During this period of time “International Honour Gold Medals” were presented to nineteen persons. Among them – President Republic Lithuania Prof. Dr. VYTAUTAS LANDSBERGIS (2026), President Parliament Austria Prof. ALFRED GERSTL (2008), Prime Minister Republic Slovakia VLADIMIR MECIAR (2009), Prime Minister Republic Slovakia ROBERT FICO (2012), Hollywood Actor SYLVESTER STALLONE (2012), Hollywood Actor Chuck Norris (2011).

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

WORLD BODYBUILDING ENCYCLOPEDIA.

N.A.B.B.A. - WHAT IS IT? WE MAKE CONCLUSIONS.

HISTORY OF N.A.B.B.A..

Step by step working on the third book of the “World Bodybuilding Encyclopedia” (“Pasaulio kultūrizmo enciklopedija”, «Энциклопедии всемирного культуризма») we are presenting histories of various International bodybuilding organizations. It was easy until fall of the Socialist World: since 1971 until 1998 I.F.B.B. (International Federation of Body Builders) represented officially recognized sport and since 1950 N.A.B.B.A. (National Amateur Body Building Association) represented never officially recognized bodybuilding. We will make a number of unexpected articles on the history of N.A.B.B.A. in the nearest future. You will learn things You never dreamed of...

BEGINNING OF N.A.B.B.A..

BOB HOFFMAN BROUGHT BODYBUILDING TO LONDON.

Since 1947 until 1969 World’s official bodybuilding sport was ruled by F.I.H.C. (Federation Internationale Halterophile et Culturiste). F.I.H.C. was a member of International Olympic Committee (I.O.C.). Mostly due to the efforts of American BOB HOFFMAN(Robert Collins Hoffman, 1898 - 1985 m.) the first F.I.H.C. “Mr. Universe” contest was organized in the USA in 1947. Basing on the support of the I.O.C. the 1948 F.I.H.C. “Mr. Universe” was organized in London together with the “London Olympic Games”. Together with BOB HOFFMAN local organizers of the 1948 F.I.H.C. “Mr. Universe” in London were  B.A.W.L.A. (British Amateur Weight Lifting Association) and representatives of local British magazine “Health and Strength”. Full of emotions of the 1948 F.I.H.C. “Mr. Universe” Britishers established N.A.B.B.A. association in 1950. The N.A.B.B.A. name was copied from B.A.W.L.A.. In the same 1950 N.A.B.B.A. held it’s first  “Mr. Universe” in London. Anyway until F.I.H.C. .stopped ruling official bodybuilding sport in 1969 N.A.B.B.A. and private I.F.B.B. Commercial Company could not pretend to any recognition.

SHORTLY ABOUT N.A.B.B.A..

Speaking about federations what is more important - bodybuilders or organizers? Every part is important as it can not survive without another one. We will underline organizers of federation. Bodybuilders often participate at various federations and in most cases they can not represent any of them.

F.I.H.C. and A..A.U. (Amateur Athletes Union) American bodybuilders led by BOB HOFFMAN were N.A.B.B.A. leading participants for a long time. Many years bodybuilders of BOB HOFFMAN were participating at N.A.B.B.A. “Mr. Universe” and many years Europeans could not win against them. The basic reason was that American weightlifters started using steroids first. Americans were much ahead of Europe in this field.

In the nineties of the last century N.A.B.B.A. Chairman British OSCAR HEIDENSTAM was the European bodybuilding leader. At that time DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS started correspondence with him.

In 1990 after “Miss Olympia” in New York (USA) I.F.B.B. President BEN WEIDER refused to support the Independence of the Republic of Lithuania. He did not accept bodybuilders of Lithuania in his I.F.B.B. federation. BEN WEIDER was on the U.S.S.R. Side. This was the reason that DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS decided to join N.A.B.B.A. association.

Everything seemed very optimistic - we got FREEDOM... at that tome our knowledge about International Bodybuilding Federations was zero. To get the information during next twenty years we had to press leaders of these organizations. Finally we learned that there were much lies and even stupid things in those organizations. And still are... Only today we are the only ones who speak truth about this.

In 1991 DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS and best Lithuania bodybuilders of that time joined N.A.B.B.A. and participated at the N.A.B.B.A. Europe Championship in Epinal (France). Then Lithuanians ROLANDAS BUCINSKAS and NATALIA MURNIKOVIENE became N.A.B.B.A. Europe Champions. That were the first Champions in the history of Independent Republic Lithuania.

N.A.B.B.A. WAS ONE, BET THERE WERE THREE N.A.B.B.A. PRESIDENTS.

When in 1991 OSCAR HEIDENSTAM died, for two decades N.A.B.B.A. was ruled by Irish IVAN DUNBAR. Though IVAN DUNBAR was not a strong personality but he was very loyal to N.A.B.B.A.. That was the reason that in 1999 N.A.B.B.A. had three Presidents at one time. They were IVAN DUNBAR, German KLAUS P.J. HOFFMANN and Australian JOE LOPEZ. It was interesting to observe when all three “presidents” were in conflict in between when annual fee was collected from national members. Every of them tried to be first to take the money. N.A.B.B.A. Lithuania (Lietuvos Nacionalinė Kultūrizmo Asociacija) was registered officially at the Ministry of Law of the Republic Lithuania. We had to go to N.A.B.B.A. “Mr. Universes” paid by money of the Ministry of Sport Lithuania. To prove the expenses (fees, traveling money, hotel costs) journey documents and final results of competitions had to be signed and sealed by N.A.B.B.A. Officials. For many years IVAN DUNBAR tried to escape of this. Finally DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS pressed him and IVAN DUNBAR told that N.A.B.B.A. is registered as a “public club” and there is no “Association of N.A.B.B.A.” in reality. It lasted until the Russians made a false seal of N.A.B.B.A. and presented it to IVAN DUNBAR. Three N.A.B.B.A. presidents always fighted in between and always addressed DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS to support each of them against others.

N.A.B.B.A. WAS SPLIT. TWO N.A.B.B.A. ORGANIZATIONS.

Ending the last Century Australian JOE LOPEZ was very active among N.A.B.B.A.  leaders. He wanted to be the only one N.A.B.B.A. Chairman and often was in conflict with KLAUS P.J. HOFFMANN and IVAN DUNBAR. 1999 N.A.B.B.A. World Championship was organized in Austria. At the same time N.A.B.B.A. Congress was held too. Plus to tension between three N.A.B.B.A. Chairmen one more dirty happening happened. N.A.B.B.A. financist TONY SULLYVAN disappeared with N.A.B.B.A. money. KLAUS P.J. HOFFMANN and IVAN DUNBAR did not want to speak about the N.A.B.B.A. problems and asked DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS to do it. DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS often used to make hours long speeches at N.A.B.B.A. congresses so hi did it again this time too. After it big mess started at the congress. JOE LOPEZ informed that the leaves N.A.B.B.A. with a number of countries and creates his own “N.A.B.B.A. International”. This way several years in a row JOE LOPEZ organized his own N.A.B.B.A. “Mr. Universe” contests in Spain. It did not last long as soon JOE LOPEZ was accused with smuggling narcotics and went to prison. This way history of “N.A.B.B.A. - International” was very short.

N.A.B.B.A. - WHAT IS IT? WE MAKE CONCLUSIONS.

Since when OSCAR HEIDENSTAM died in 1991 there were no more noticeable International persons in N.A.B.B.A.. N.A.B.B.A. never had any ambitious aims and any great future plans. N.A.B.B.A. always stay in one place and never goes ahead.

N.A.B.B.A. started long ago as a never officially recognized organization. Nothing changed. It is the same today on International level. Anyway among a hundred today egzisting International bodybuilding organizations N.A.B.B.A. always was the greatest historically non recognized bodybuilding society. In 1998 International Olympic Committee (I.O.C.)  threw away the I.F.B.B. (International Federation of Body Builders) federation. Since that time bodybuilding is no more sport. In 2023 G.A.I.S.F. (Global Association of International Sports Federations)  was closed and by law on official level the I.F.B.B. has nothing better as N.A.B.B.A.. Yes, fooling Ministries of Sport of former Socialist countries National I.F.B.B. federations go on receiving comparatively big government’s money. We do not speak about a hundred “mickey - mouse” federations which appeared today. They are a zero in the World’s International Bodybuilding movement. No aims, no future. Why they are? Where they are going? Try to answer this question.

More information is on Global Site www.wff.lt

WORLD BODYBUILDING HISTORY.

IMPORTANT MOMENTS INTERNATIONAL.

During 60 years of activities W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. (World Fitness federation, World Bodybuilding Federation) International had many interesting and important moments of International Work. Working on „World Bodybuilding Encyclopedia“ („Pasaulio kultūrizmo enciklopedija“, «Энциклопедия всемирного культуризма») we recover many steps of our work and we will present them to International sport society now. We underline that our Internet Site www.wff.lt every day has about 10 000 visitors and every month it collects about 400 000 readers.

VISIT TO VATICAN.

In 2011 the Official Visit of the President W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. (World Fitness Federation, World Body Building Federation) International DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS was organized to Vatican. Listening about the Bodybuilding activities during the years of prohibition of this sport in the Socialist Countries the Vatican Congregat Perfect Cardinal J. Em. JOZEF KARDINAL TOMKO (Кардинал Иозеф Томко) was interested very much. Very big interest was shown to the bodybuilding defending petition of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS and the victory that was achieved due to this. J. Em. JOZEF KARDINAL TOMKO positively evaluated our efforts to fight for the Bodybuilding Sport recognition and at once he named DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS as the „disident of the Communist Regime“. For this work done the Vatican Congregat Perfect Cardinal J. Em. JOZEF KARDINAL TOMKO presented the Original Vatican Pontific Medal (Medaglia Ufficiale di Pontificato di Sua Santita Benedetto XVI) to the International President W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Federation EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS (Headquarters State Vatican, Cita del Vaticano, March 29, 2011).

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

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 Republic South Africa, Zambia, Marocco, Cameroon, Uganda, Algeria, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Angola, Equatorial Guinea, Mozambique  and Egypt.

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.

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.
FECEBOOK does not allow long texts.

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

WORLD BODYBUILDING HISTORY.

IMPORTANT MOMENTS INTERNATIONAL.

KINGDOM OF MAROCCO.

During 60 years of activities W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. (World Fitness federation, World Bodybuilding Federation) International had many interesting and important moments of International Work. Working on „World Bodybuilding Encyclopedia“ („Pasaulio kultūrizmo enciklopedija“, «Энциклопедия всемирного культуризма») we recover many steps of our work and we will present them to International sport society now. We underline that our Internet Site www.wff.lt every day has about 10 000 visitors and every month it collects about 400 000 readers.

W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. International is in touch with Marocco bodybuilders since 1984. Aiming to make relations better in 2007 International W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. President DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS had a meeting with the Honour Embassador of the Kongdom of Marocco in the Lithuanian Republic Mr. JUOZAS PODLIPSKIS. Vice President Parliament Republic Lithuania ALFREDAS PECELIUNAS was present at the meeting too.

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