2008 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

UNIQUE ORIGINAL COMPETITION.

In 2008 W.F.F. -W.B.B.F. (World Fitness Federation, World Bodybuilding Federation)  World Championship was held in Bydgoszcz (Poland). The competition was organized by city Mecenat JERZY GOTOWSKI and city Vice Mayor KAZIMIERZ DROZD.

The preparation started one year before with huge confrontation with the I.F.B.B. (International Federation of Body Builders) Chairman of trainers PAVEL FILEBORN. Before the event eight various level press conferences and meetings were organized. Among them official meetings of the International President W.F.F. - W.B.B.F. DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS with the Minister of Sport Republic Poland ZBIGNIEW PACELT and Mayor City Bydgoszcz KONSTANTY DOMBROWICZ.

HIGH INTERNATIONAL AWARDS.

During the preparation of the World Championship a number of Officials of the Republic Poland were awarded with the  W.F.F. - W.B.B.F. “International Honour Silver Medal”. Among them Minister of Sport Republic Poland ZBIGNIEW PACELT, Mecenat JERZY GOTOWSKI, Mayor City Bydgoszcz KONSTANTY DOMBROWICZ.

MINISTER SPORT POLAND. OFFICIAL VISIT.

As we mentioned above high I.F.B.B. Official POWEL FILEBORN in order to ruin the 2008 W.F.F. World Championship was writing public letters. To stop this process organizers of the World Championship addressed the Minister Sport Poland ZBIGNIEW PACELT. W.F.F. - W.B.B.F. Officials were invited to the Ministry of Sport in Warsaw where they met the Minister. During the meeting required juridic W.F.F. - W.B.B.F. and I.F.B.B. questions were spoken over. Supporting the W.F.F. World Championship ZBIGNIEW PACELT wrote official letter. This letter stopped all I.F.B.B. aggressiveness. We would like to remind that due to doping usage International Olympic Committee (I.O.C.) refused to recognize I.F.B.B. federation and bodybuilding as sport. Also I.F.B.B. statements that W.F.F. - W.B.B.F. International was not among W.A.D.A. (World Anti Doping Agency) members were stopped. At that time the National President of the W.F.F. - W.B.B.F. Poland was ANDRZEJ MACIEJEWSKI. For many years ANDRZEJ MACIEJEWSKI was the Vice President of the I.F.B.B. Poland. He collected materials from press accusing I.F.B.B. Official PAWEL FILEBORN being involved in doping business and corruption. Polish athletes accused PAWEL FILEBORN selling doping usage schemes for 1 000 USD and proposing to cancel doping disqualifications for 10 000 USD. For this reason PAWEL FILEBORN was for a long time in various courts. Doping business of PAWEL FILEBORN was in popular Polish newspapers - among them in “Zycie Warszawy”, “Wiadomosczy dnia”, “Interia.pl”, “Kulturystyka” and others. By the way, after this doping scandals PAWEL FILEBORN was several times in Lithuania. There at I.F.B.B. seminars he teached Lithuanians about his personal ptactice and knowledge.

INTERNATIONAL JUDGES AND ORGANIZERS

International Judges and Organizers from Argentina, Poland, Czechia, Slovakia, Germany, Serbia, Russia, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Cyprus, Belarus, Denmark, Ukraine, Hungary, Croatia, Austria, Bosnia and Herzogovina participated at the event.

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP CATEGORY WINNERS

MILENKOVIC PETAR (Serbia), MICHAILOV DIAN (Lithuania), ZIGALA MIRIAN (Slovakia), KHASALOV FEDIR (Ukraine), GIRYA DMYTRO (Ukraine), RASMUSSEN PALLE (Denmark), KRIVCIKOV DMITRIJ (Russia), NADOLSKI WOJCIECH (Poland), BLINOV SERGEJ (Russia), ZAJANCKOVSKIJ ANTON (Lithuania), CSERNUS ANNA (Hungary), ROCLAWSKA PAULINA (Poland), CZENASC ESZTER (Hungary), ZIGALOVA MIRIAMA (Slovakia), BEKUS ANITA (Poland), CERVENA LENKA (Czech), BUDOVIC TANJA (Bosnia and Herzogovina), BOCIAN NATALIA (Poland), DUNDERSKI KSENIA (Serbia), MARTINKOVA EVA (Slovakia), MILERIUTE JOLANTA (Lithuania), TOLEDO JAMILA VANESSA (Argentina), ZIGALOVA MARIETTA (Slovakia). Over All Champions: NATALIA BOCIAN (Fitness), JOLANTA MILERIUTE (Bodybuilding Women), WOJCIECH NADOLSKI (Bodybuilding Men). 

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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.

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.

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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.

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WORLD BODYBUILDING ENCYCLOPEDIA A UNIQUE EVENT IN THE HISTORY OF WORLD SPORT – OFFICIAL VISIT TO THE VATICAN

While preparing the World Bodybuilding Encyclopedia, it is essential to highlight an exceptional event in the history of world sport – the Official Visit of the President of the W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. International Federation, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras, to the Vatican.

The Beginning of the Visit to the Vatican

While developing international sports relations, in early April 2011 the President of the W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. International Federation, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras, visited Poland, Germany, France, Monaco, Italy, and Slovakia. During his stay in Monaco, he received a telephone call from Italy informing him that an official visit to the Vatican had been arranged. Shortly thereafter, he departed for Italy.

Before the official visit, a meeting was organized with a representative of the Vatican in Italy, during which the forthcoming program and scheduled meetings were discussed.

The Vatican Recognized the Struggle for Bodybuilding Recognition

The Vatican is not only the center of the Roman Catholic Church but also the sovereign State of Vatican City. In 2011, an official meeting was organized in the Vatican to present the worldwide activities of the W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. International Federation.

During the meeting, His Eminence Cardinal Jozef Tomko listened with great interest to the history of bodybuilding development and the struggle for recognition of the sport during the period when bodybuilding was prohibited in many countries of the Socialist Bloc. Appreciating these long-standing efforts and activities, Cardinal Jozef Tomko referred to the leaders of the W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. as “dissidents of the Communist regime.”

Particularly impressive was the Vatican State’s positive evaluation of the federation’s efforts to promote physical activity, health, fitness, and bodybuilding throughout the world.

In recognition of their contribution to the development of the international sports movement, His Eminence Cardinal Jozef Tomko presented the original Vatican Pontifical Medals, Medaglia Ufficiale di Pontificato di Sua Santità Benedetto XVI, to:

• Dr. Edmundas Daubaras – President of the W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. International Federation;

• Stefan Hrčka (Slovakia) – Honorary Official of the W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. International Federation.

The awards were presented on March 29, 2011, at the Headquarters of the Vatican City State.

Acquaintance with the Historical Treasures of the Vatican

During the official visit, Father Paolo, a representative of the Vatican Administration, introduced the W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. delegation to the Vatican administrative headquarters, the historic archives, and the repositories housing personal belongings of various Pontiffs that possess exceptional historical value.

On the following morning, at St. Peter’s Basilica, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras was invited to participate in a unique personal Holy Mass. This event became a significant historical milestone in the development of the international bodybuilding movement and an important symbol of international recognition for the activities of the W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. Federation.

Historical Significance

The official visit of Dr. Edmundas Daubaras, President of the W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. International Federation, to the Vatican in 2011 became an outstanding event not only in the history of the federation but also in the broader history of international bodybuilding. During this visit, representatives of the Vatican State officially became acquainted with the activities, history, and efforts of the W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. to promote physical activity, fitness, and bodybuilding throughout the world.

Particularly significant was the high appreciation expressed by Vatican officials for the federation’s work and for the contribution of its leaders in defending the right of bodybuilding to exist and develop during periods of political restriction in Eastern and Central Europe. Cardinal Jozef Tomko’s characterization of the federation’s activists as “dissidents of the Communist regime” represented a notable moral recognition of their efforts.

The presentation of Vatican Pontifical Medals to Dr. Edmundas Daubaras and Stefan Hrčka testified to the international recognition of the W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. Federation and its contribution to the promotion of healthy living and physical culture worldwide.

This visit remains one of the most important events in the history of the W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. Federation and is regarded as a significant example of international recognition of the global bodybuilding movement in the early twenty-first century.

Among the documented events in the history of modern bodybuilding, this visit stands as one of the rare occasions on which the head of an international bodybuilding organization was officially received at the Vatican and honored with Vatican Pontifical Medals. As such, it occupies a distinctive place in the historical development of international bodybuilding and fitness organizations.

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OFFICIAL AND UNOFFICIAL CZECHOSLOVAKIA: MEETINGS AT THE MINISTRY OF SPORTS AND THE SIGNIFICANCE OF INTERNATIONAL CONTACTS IN BODYBUILDING DURING THE SOCIALIST PERIOD Introduction

During the 1960s and 1970s, the development of bodybuilding in socialist countries depended not only on the achievements of athletes but also on the organizational activities of federation leaders, coaches, and sports administrators. Their initiatives created the conditions necessary for maintaining international contacts and ensuring the continuity of the sport under politically restrictive circumstances.

In 1973, bodybuilding encountered various administrative and political restrictions in many socialist countries. As a result, the activities of bodybuilding organizations were limited, and international cooperation became increasingly difficult. In this context, Czechoslovakia occupied a unique position, as its bodybuilding organizations managed to maintain relatively active operations and contacts with international sports structures.

This article examines the visits of Lithuanian representative Edmundas Daubaras to Czechoslovakia in 1975 and 1977, the meetings held with officials of the Czechoslovak Bodybuilding Federation and sports administration, and the significance of these contacts for the further development of bodybuilding throughout the socialist bloc.

The Situation of Bodybuilding in Socialist Countries after 1973

Following the restrictions imposed on bodybuilding in 1973, organized activities in many socialist countries were significantly curtailed. Due to differing political and administrative circumstances, each country developed its own model for maintaining and promoting the sport. International cooperation became fragmented, and contacts between national organizations were maintained primarily through personal relationships.

During this period, the most active bodybuilding centers within the Soviet Union remained in the Baltic republics. In Estonia, an important role was played by Inar Mardo (1945–2002), while in Lithuania the founders and coaches of the Vilnius School of Bodybuilding, Česlavas Tamulevičius and Vitalijus Asovskis, were among the leading figures. The most significant regional events included competitions organized in Tallinn and the international “Amber Prix” tournament, held in Lithuania from 1968 onward.

The 1975 Visit to Czechoslovakia

In 1975, Edmundas Daubaras, then a student at Vilnius State University, spent two months in Prague under a student exchange program. During this visit he established contacts with Vojtech Fiala, President of the Czechoslovak Bodybuilding Federation and one of the key organizers of bodybuilding in the country.

That same year, Czechoslovak athletes participated in the IFBB European Championships. The most notable achievement was recorded by Petr Stach, who won not only his height category but also the overall title, becoming the Absolute European Champion. This victory significantly strengthened Czechoslovakia’s position within international bodybuilding.

During his stay, Daubaras visited Petr Stach at his training facility near Prague, where he was introduced to the athlete’s training system and methods of preparation for international competitions.

At the initiative of Vojtech Fiala, a meeting was also arranged at the Czechoslovak Sports Organization (ČSTV – Československý svaz tělesné výchovy). The participants discussed the situation of bodybuilding in the Soviet Union, Czechoslovakia, and other European countries, as well as prospects for future cooperation.

In order to obtain reliable information regarding the situation in the Soviet Union, the Czechoslovak Bodybuilding Federation maintained contact with one of the pioneers of Soviet bodybuilding, Gennady Baldin. According to information provided by Baldin, organized bodybuilding activities in the USSR had declined substantially following the restrictions introduced in 1973, with the most active centers remaining in the Baltic republics.

The 1977 Visit and Meetings

In 1977, Edmundas Daubaras visited Prague for a second time under the student exchange program. During this stay, the contacts established in 1975 with the leadership of the Czechoslovak Bodybuilding Federation and sports administration were further developed.

By that time, the federation had become fully integrated into the structure of ČSTV and operated from permanent offices. The position of federation secretary was held by the well-known bodybuilder Peter Tlapak, who played an active role in the administration and promotion of bodybuilding within the country.

During the visit, Daubaras also toured the Czechoslovak Olympic Training Center, where members of the national bodybuilding team were preparing for international competitions. Discussions focused on athlete preparation methods, training organization, and competitive strategies.

An important part of the visit was a trip to the city of Brno, where meetings of the Council of the Czechoslovak Bodybuilding Federation were held under the leadership of Professor František Bulva. Daubaras was invited to attend these meetings as a guest and delivered a presentation on the state of bodybuilding in the Soviet Union. His report provided Czechoslovak sports officials with first-hand information about the conditions under which bodybuilding functioned in the USSR after the restrictions of 1973.

Conclusions

The visits of Edmundas Daubaras to Czechoslovakia in 1975 and 1977 played an important role in maintaining international contacts between bodybuilding organizations in the Baltic republics and Czechoslovakia. These interactions facilitated the exchange of information concerning the development of the sport, organizational models, and opportunities for international cooperation.

During the 1970s, the Czechoslovak Bodybuilding Federation enjoyed broader opportunities for international engagement than most other bodybuilding organizations within the socialist bloc. Consequently, Czechoslovakia emerged as one of the principal centers of bodybuilding in the socialist world and played a significant role in preserving and advancing the sport during a period marked by political restrictions and organizational challenges.

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