KLAIPĖDA’S TRADITION CONTINUED. The “Amber Prix” Tournament, 1969–1970.

In 1969, a strong wave of sporting enthusiasm swept across Lithuania, including the rapidly growing sport of bodybuilding. Public interest in this new athletic discipline was remarkable. Bodybuilding competitions were staged at prestigious venues such as the Vingis Park stage in Vilnius and the Kaunas Sports Hall, attracting significant public attention. The events were covered extensively by the press and even broadcast on national television.

The results of the earliest bodybuilding tournaments, however, should be viewed with some reservation. Judged by modern bodybuilding standards, the outcomes would likely have been very different. At the time, bodybuilding competitions always included a strength component, which encouraged competitors to invite weightlifters to participate. As a result, many early champions owed their victories primarily to outstanding performances in strength exercises rather than to muscular development or physique aesthetics.

This became particularly evident during the 1970 competition held in Kaliningrad (RSFSR), where Klaipėda weightlifters Algis Eidukas and Alfonsas Mėcius outperformed nearly all the bodybuilders and emerged victorious. Among the champions, only Antanas Mineikis could be considered a true bodybuilder in the modern sense, distinguished both by his impressive muscular physique and strong results in the strength events.

The 1969 “Amber Prix” tournament was held at the Palace of Culture of the Klaipėda Construction Trust. In keeping with tradition, the competition consisted of two parts: athletes first competed in strength exercises and later demonstrated their physiques.

The event featured musical accompaniment by the popular jazz ensemble “Žėrutis.” On this occasion, former rower and member of Klaipėda’s amateur circus group Antanas Mineikis not only won his height category but also captured the overall champion title. In his category, he defeated the favorite and reigning 1968 champion Leonas Pivoriūnas.

In the second height category, victory went to Klaipėda heavyweight athlete Alfonsas Mėčius, while the first category was won by Kaunas representative Giršas Langevičius. Prize-winning places were also secured by Klaipėda athletes Kestutis Rumsas, Petras Lenkauskas, Jonas Vaiciulis, and Bronius Kilinskas.

By 1970, the “Amber Prix” tournament attracted somewhat less attention, as Lithuania was hosting several other international bodybuilding events, while the national team celebrated a successful appearance at competitions in the Polish People’s Republic. The winners of the fourth “Amber Prix” tournament categories were Antanas Mineikis, Pranas Cesnulevicius, and Juras Janciauskas. The latter two, together with the 1968 overall “Amber Prix” champions Valdas Aliubavicius and Leonas Pivoriunas, represented the Vilnius sports club “Viktorija,” which had already gained recognition as the center of the emerging “Vilnius School of Bodybuilding.”

The school was led by the talented coach Ceslav Tamulevic (1945–2023), whose influence played an important role in the development of Lithuanian bodybuilding.

In 1970, Antanas Mineikis was declared the overall winner of the “Amber Prix” tournament. Among the prize winners were also Klaipeda athletes Nikolaj Caika, Kestutis Rumsas, and Genadij Sevelkov.

Following the 1970 tournament, Klaipeda organizer Antanas Jonuskutis withdrew from organizational activities. Until bodybuilding was officially banned in the Soviet Union and other socialist countries in 1973, the “Amber Prix” tournament was no longer continued.

Nevertheless, the popularity of bodybuilding continued to grow. In 1971 and 1972, two “USSR Bodybuilding Championships” were organized within the territory of the RSFSR. Lithuanian athletes participated in both events, although no representatives from Klaipėda took part. In 1971, Estonian athletes established the international tournament Georg Tenno Memorial, which became one of the most prominent traditions in Baltic bodybuilding.

More information is on International Site www.wff.lt

HISTORY THEFT OR NAIVETY?

WHAT IS REALLY HAPPENING IN SPORT WORLD.

International bodybuilding today is facing more than just athletic competition. A far more serious battle is unfolding — one over history, names, and influence.

And at the center of that battle, one name keeps appearing: Graeme Lancefield.

“1968”: fact or convenient myth?

It is publicly claimed that basing on the “Amber Prix International” contest the World Fitness Federation (W.F.F.) dates back to 1968. It sounds impressive — deep roots, long tradition, authority.

But critics are asking a very specific question:
does that date belong to the W.F.F. of Graeme Lancefield — or has it simply been “borrowed” from other historical events?

If history is being rewritten, this is no longer interpretation. It becomes narrative engineering.

Old scenario, new players

Those familiar with the bodybuilding world have seen this before. The National Amateur Body-Builders' Association (N.A.B.B.A.) has already gone through a similar split, when Joe Lopez attempted to establish an alternative international structure.

The outcome was short-lived. But the pattern is recognizable:

separation, creation of a “new international” body, and flexible interpretation of history.

N.A.B.B.A.: “we have nothing to do with this”

Current N.A.B.B.A. president Eddy Ellwood has made it clear — the organization distances itself from any connection with the structure led by G. Lancefield.

This is not diplomatic language. It is a direct disassociation.

And a clear signal that the issue goes far beyond a simple misunderstanding.

Who pays the price?

While officials argue over history, the real cost is paid by the athletes.

They are invited into competitions that:

use well-known and prestigious names, rely on unclear or disputed origins, and sometimes create impressions that may not reflect reality.

Athletes come for sport — but find themselves in the middle of organizational conflict.

How long can the obvious be ignored?

If an organization relies on history — it must be verifiable.
If it uses names — they must be legitimate.
If it claims international status — it must be recognized, not self-declared.

Otherwise, one word remains: imitation.

Courts as the next step?

More and more frequently, legal action is being mentioned in relation to:

use of organizational names, appropriation of historical events, and potentially misleading information.

If that happens, the debate will end. Only facts — and rulings — will remain.

No diplomacy left

International sport cannot be built on vague histories and questionable narratives.

Today, the question is no longer “who is right.”
The question is — who can prove it.

And perhaps more importantly:
how long will the sporting community tolerate a reality where history becomes a tool, rather than a fact?

Official documents and more information is on International Site www.wff.lt

LEGENDARY “AMBER PRIX”.

1968 “Amber Prix International”.

Following the successful inaugural competition held in 1967, the bodybuilders of Klaipėda continued to foster the traditions of athletic gymnastics. In 1968, the second “Amber Prix” tournament became an international event, bringing together athletes from the Lithuanian SSR, Latvian SSR, and the Russian SFSR.

That same year, during an international tournament held in Kaunas, the “USSR Bodybuilding Federation” (Athletic Gymnastics Commission) was established to coordinate the development of bodybuilding throughout the Soviet Union. Five members were elected to the federation’s executive board, including two Lithuanians: Vytautas Zumeris and Valerijus Koreškovas.

During the “Amber Prizx” tournament in Klaipėda, the federation also held a meeting to discuss current organizational matters and the further development of the sport.

Competition Results

(top three places only)

Youth Group

Height Category 1

Pavel Tarakanov (Vilnius, Lithuanian SSR) Vytautas Venclauskas (Kėdainiai, Lithuanian SSR) Osvaldas Griskevicius (Kaunas, Lithuanian SSR)

Height Category 2

Valdas Aliubavicius (Vilnius, Lithuanian SSR) Algis Jonkus (Palanga, Lithuanian SSR) Valdas Kapcevicius (Kėdainiai, Lithuanian SSR)

Height Category 3

Arvydas Lekstutis (Kaunas, Lithuanian SSR) Vidmantas Povilionis (Klaipėda, Lithuanian SSR) Jurij Tiurikov (Kėdainiai, Lithuanian SSR)

Adult Group

Height Category 1

Klemensas Alsauskas (Kaunas, Lithuanian SSR) Jevgenij Koltun (Tyumen, Russian SFSR) Girsas Langevicius (Kaunas, Lithuanian SSR)

Height Category 2

Lionginas Danilevicius (Kaunas, Lithuanian SSR) Alfonsas Mecius (Klaipėda, Lithuanian SSR) Mecislovas Seibokas (Ukmergė, Lithuanian SSR)

Height Category 3

Leonas Pivoriunas (Vilnius, Lithuanian SSR) Antanas Mineikis (Klaipėda, Lithuanian SSR) Danil Pasternak (Riga, Latvian SSR)

Overall Winners

Valdas Aliubavicius – overall winner of the youth group Leonas Pivoriunas – overall winner of the adult group.

More detailed information is on International Site www.wff.lt

WFF-WBBF REPRESENTATIVE IN IRELAND MARIK STEFANOVIC – 2026 WORLD CHAMPION!

Ireland is represented in the international WFF-WBBF bodybuilding federation by Marik Stefanovic, who proudly claimed the World Champion title at the 2026 WFF-WBBF World Championship in Nida, Lithuania.

With a history dating back to 1968, the International WFF-WBBF Federation brings together members from 141 countries and organizes approximately 60 international sporting events worldwide every year.

Marik Stefanovic, Chairman of WFF-WBBF in Ireland, participated in the 2026 World Championship held at the Lithuanian resort of Nida, where he achieved 1st place in his age category, earning the prestigious title of 2026 World Champion.

THE ROAD TO 2027 – 60 YEARS OF THE HISTORIC AMBER PRIX INTERNATIONAL!

The International WFF-WBBF Federation is now preparing for one of its most significant international events of 2027: the 60th anniversary of the historic AMBER PRIX INTERNATIONAL, one of the world's oldest bodybuilding competitions.

The prestigious event will take place on May 7–9, 2027, in Klaipėda, Lithuania.

The Irish national team will be led by Marik Stefanovic, who will represent Ireland at this historic international bodybuilding celebration.

The 2027 Amber Prix International promises to bring together athletes, national representatives and bodybuilding enthusiasts from around the world to celebrate six decades of international bodybuilding history and tradition.

Ireland is ready for the 2027 international challenge!

More information:
International WFF-WBBF Federation
www.wff.lt

28 YEARS OF FIT-KIDS – A GLOBAL REVOLUTION IN CHILDREN'S SPORT WFF-WBBF: From the Origins of a Historic Sports Movement to a New Global Era of Children's Fitness AN INTERNATIONAL SPORTS HISTORY CREATED BY CHILDREN

The World WFF-WBBF Federation is an international sports organisation whose activities began in 1968 and which today brings together members from 141 countries worldwide. Over the decades, the Federation has consistently developed various sports disciplines, while children's sport has remained one of its most important strategic priorities.

Launched 28 years ago, the international „Fit-Kids“ sports movement represents much more than just a sports programme for children today. It is a new philosophy, a new approach to the younger generation and a significant milestone in the development of children's sport worldwide.

WFF-WBBF was among the organisations that recognised early on that children's sport cannot simply be a scaled-down version of adult sport. Children need their own sporting environment, where physical fitness, creativity, music, choreography, acrobatics and stage performance come together as an integrated sports system.

An idea that has developed into an international sports movement over 28 years.

FIT-KIDS – A SPORTS REVOLUTION THAT HAS GONE BEYOND THE BOUNDARIES OF TRADITIONAL SPORT

Having started with a single main discipline, the international „Fit-Kids“ movement is now entering a new stage of development.

At the initiative of Aleksandra Kobielak, Head of the Children's Sports Department of the World WFF-WBBF Federation, the children's fitness concept has been expanded to include several distinct sporting disciplines:

Fit-Kids Fitness; Performance Fitness; Show Fitness; Acrobatic Fitness; Dance Fitness.

Each discipline has its own specific characteristics, but they are all united by a common objective: the comprehensive development of children's physical, artistic and sporting abilities.

Today, Fit-Kids athletes do much more than demonstrate physical fitness. They create sports performances, express their individual talents, develop stage skills and learn the values of sporting discipline.

This is a new generation of sport, where children become not merely competition participants, but creative and independent sporting personalities.

The WFF-WBBF Fit-Kids movement demonstrates that children's sport can be dynamic, diverse and internationally significant.

THE WORLD IS CHANGING – CHILDREN'S SPORT MUST MOVE FORWARD

In today's world, children's physical activity is becoming an increasingly important social issue. Technological development, declining everyday physical activity and the limitations of traditional sports models all demand new solutions.

The Fit-Kids concept developed by the WFF-WBBF Federation offers an alternative approach: sport should be accessible, attractive, creative and adapted to children's needs.

Through the Federation's initiative, children's fitness has moved beyond the boundaries of traditional sport, combining physical activity, art, music, choreography and acrobatics.

This direction reflects a broader trend in international sports development: the need to create new sporting formats capable of engaging younger generations and encouraging long-term physical activity.

Fit-Kids is not a passing trend. It is an international sports concept that has been developing for 28 years.

2027 – HISTORIC INTERNATIONAL WFF-WBBF SPORTS EVENTS IN LITHUANIA

In 2027, Lithuania will become an important international centre for WFF-WBBF sporting events. Competitions held in Klaipėda and Nida will bring together international sporting traditions, global competition and performances by a new generation of athletes.

KLAIPĖDA – THE 60TH AMBER PRIX INTERNATIONAL

On 7–9 May 2027, Klaipėda will host the 31st WFF-WBBF European Amateur and Professional Championships, together with the 60th Amber Prix International tournament.

The 60th edition of the Amber Prix International is a remarkable historical event. Sixty years of tournament history symbolise longstanding sporting traditions, international cooperation and the consistent development of sport.

This is more than just a competition. It is a history created over many years by athletes, coaches, organisers and entire sporting communities.

Klaipėda will become an international meeting point for sport, where tradition meets modern sporting achievements and new directions of development.

NIDA – THE 38TH WFF-WBBF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

On 5–7 November 2027, Nida will host the 38th WFF-WBBF World Amateur and Professional Championships.

The World Championships are among the most important international events organised by the Federation, bringing together athletes and sports professionals from different countries.

Nida, one of Lithuania's most distinctive resort destinations, will become an international sporting arena showcasing the highest levels of athletic preparation, sporting culture and the achievements of the WFF-WBBF Federation's international activities.

Both major events in 2027 will also have special significance for the development of children's sport, giving young Fit-Kids athletes the opportunity to participate in an international sporting environment.

28 YEARS – AND THIS IS ONLY THE BEGINNING

Over 28 years of developing the international Fit-Kids movement, the WFF-WBBF Federation has established the foundations of a new concept in children's sport.

Today, Fit-Kids is no longer simply an individual sporting discipline. It is a multidirectional international movement combining physical education, sporting excellence, creativity and the discovery of young talent.

The Federation's activities reflect a clear strategic vision: children's sport should not merely be a part of the sporting system, but an independent and promising international sports discipline in its own right.

28 years of Fit-Kids history. 141 countries represented in the international activities of the WFF-WBBF Federation. New sporting disciplines. A new philosophy of children's sport.

This is the WFF-WBBF Federation's contribution to the future of world sport.

The revolution in children's sport is already underway!

More international news, information about sporting events and the activities of the WFF-WBBF Federation:

www.wff.lt
www.worldfitness.lt