+- WFF / WBBF forum (https://forum.wff.lt)
+-- Forum: Forums in english (https://forum.wff.lt/forumdisplay.php?fid=4)
+--- Forum: Various competitions (https://forum.wff.lt/forumdisplay.php?fid=13)
+--- Thread: "GEORG TENNO MEMORIALS" (1971 - 2025) (/showthread.php?tid=751)
RE: "GEORG TENNO MEMORIALS" (1971 - 2025) - Chairman_Organizing_Committee - 12-01-2025
2025. CZECH AND SLOVAK BODYBUILDING. ANALYTICAL REVUE.
WORLD BODYBUILDING REVUE. ARTICLE. THE START.
During the life nearly everybody somehow is connected with Bodybuilding and Fitness.
Being the World‘s Leader of the Official Sport of Bodybuilding and Fitness the W.F.F.-W.B.B.F. (World Fitness Federation, World Body Building Federation) International Federation is working over the „World Bodybuilding Encyclopedia“ and prepares the historical Article - Revue of the World‘s Bodybuilding Sport.
The International Bodybuilding Organizations and the Countries that were and still are really important for the Official International Bodybuilding Sport will be covered in this Article. You know that many of so called „International Federations“ just fool the public as they are not official by the National and International Law and play no role for the Official Sport in real.
CZECH AND SLOVAK BODYBUILDING. ANALYTICAL REVUE.
Working on the above mentioned materials the W.F.F.-W.B.B.F. International prepares analytical revue of the bodybuilding sport in Czech and Slovak Republics. The revue includes the history of bodybuilding in both Countries (former Czechoslovakia), most important sportsmen and sport organizers of all times.
Few or us know that at the definite period of time Czechoslovakia bodybuilding has played such a very important role for the International Sport. We will cover the history and we will tell this story.
The similar historic revues are already done by us about the bodybuilding sport in USA, UK, France, Scandinavia Countries, Belgium, India, Iran, Argentina, Poland, Belarus, Ukraine and Estonia. Still remaining only a few Countries.
PERIODS OF BODYBUILDING IN CZECHOSLOVAKIA.
Last Century for a long time the World was divided by the „Iron Wall“ in two parts: the Socialist and the Capitalist. For political reasons the Bodybuilding Sport was prohibited and prosecuted in all Socialist Countries. Effected by the occasionally from the Western World received Bodybuilding Magazines the Bodybuilding Sport in Socialist Countries went their own original way.
Quite a long time the only one traditional regular International Bodybuilding Contest of all the Socialist World was the famous historical „Amber Prix International“ („Gintarinis prizas“, „Янтарный приз“, 1968-2025). Today all know that during the long years of the Bodybuilding Sport prohibition and prosecution the „Amber Prix International“ was the unofficial Bodybuilding Championship of the U.S.S.R. (uniting 15 Country-members, the Union of the Soviet Socialist Republics). Later on the U.S.S.R. Sport Ministry („Goskomsport“) officially accepted this fact and started presenting prestigious governmental „U.S.S.R. Sport Master“ degrees for the „Amber Prix International“ Champions. This way the „Amber Prix International“ became somehow equal to the official U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Championship. In real due to the number and the level of the participating Countries and Competitors the „Amber Prix International“ was the unofficial World Championship of the Socialist Countries.
Czechoslovakia Bodybuilding development as it was in all Socialist Countries can be divided in three periods:
- First period until 1975. Then due to the initiative of the President Czechoslovakia National Bodybuilding Federation VOTECH FIALA this Federation joined the International Sport Society and got political permeation to participate at the I.F.B.B. (International Federation of Body Builders) World and Europe Championships. For a long time Czechoslovakia was the only one Socialist Country which had this unique permeation. No one other Socialist Country could do the same for a long time.
- Second period until 1987, when Bodybuilding Sport was under severe prosecution in the Socialist Countries
- Third period after 1991, when the National Bodybuilding Organizations of all Socialist Countries felt real freedom to join the International Bodybuilding Sport Society.
We will speak about each period individually.
THE BEGINNING.
The history of the Czechoslovakia Bodybuilding starts in 1967. Then the first Czechoslovakia Bodybuilder JURAJ VISNY was known after a number of his successful contests.
CZECHOSLOVAKIA MOVES AS A ROCKET.
In 1975 for two months DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS was working in the capital city of Czechoslovakia Prague. Remember - it was the time when for political reasons Bodybuilding in all Socialist Countries was prohibited and prosecuted. Being afraid nobody of the Sport Leaders in the Socialist Countries dared to do anything to develop Bodybuilding (more information and documents about this are published in various languages in the International Magazines „Sport of Fitness and Bodybuilding“ («Спортивный фитнес и культуризм», “Sportinis fitnesas ir kultūrizmas”) and on the International Web Site www.wff.lt, read Articles on the main page and forum topics „World Bodybuilding History. How it was in real“ and „Various International Organizations“).
1975 was the unique year for Czechoslovakia bodybuilders. Then the President Czechoslovakia National Bodybuilding Federation was VOJTECH FIALA. Due to VOJTECH FIALA personal efforts and personal relations with the Government Czechoslovakia and a number of International Organizations Czechoslovakia Federation got the unique political permeation to participate at the Competitions of the „Western World“. That were the Contests organized by the Owner and the President of the I.F.B.B. BEN WEIDER. This was the unbelievable Winning among all Socialist bodybuilders as for nearly two next decades no other National Federation af any Socialist Countries could participate in the „Western World“, but Czechoslovakia.
After meeting the President Czechoslovakia National Bodybuilding Federation VOJTECH FIALA in 1975 DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS had a chance to not only watch but even to participate at the very important International Bodybuilding Events as well. Then DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS was invited as a VIP Guest to participate at two Meetings of the Czechoslovakia National Bodybuilding Federation Executive Council in Brno. Another Czechoslovakia Bodybuilding Leader Professor FRANTISEK BULVA was present at the above mentioned meetings too. Among other questions the matter of the relations with the U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding was discussed over. In order to continue the relations the Executive Council appointed IVAN MACH to be responsible for the U.S.S.R. matters and affairs (later Ivan Mach became the President of the Czechoslovakia National Bodybuilding Federation).
Then together with VOJTECH FIALA DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS visited Ministry of Sport republic Czechoslovakia (Č.S.T.V., Československi Svaz Telesne Vychovy). Meeting with the Minister of Sport was organized and discussion about the situation inbodybuilding was held.
Under the initiative of the President VOJTECH FIALA DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS again as a VIP Guest attended the Government supported Camp of the National Bodybuilding Team of Czechoslovakia. DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS personally met and spoke with the Czechoslovakia Team Leaders PETR STACH, PETR TLAPAK, ALOIS PEK and a number of other Bodybuilders and National Trainers. In 1975 PETR STACH was the first historical representative of the Socialist World who became Europe Bodybuilding Champion. Then in Sweden Czechoslovakia Bodybuilders was a shock for the „Western“ representatives as they demonstrated them a beautiful complex of individual routines. Until this routine compositions of the „Western“ Bodybuilders were plain and often primitive.
SOCIALIST COUNTRIES BODYBUILDING LITERATURE.
Through the time of the prohibition of bodybuilding sport in the Socialist Countries nobody even dreamed about the bodybuilding literature. The exception was in Czechoslovakia Bratislava issued „Trener“ Magazine (in nineties a German D.D.R. Weight Lifting Magazine started to publish some information too). During this time DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS used to give articles and contest information for these Magazines. Also for BEN WEIDER‘S „Flex“ magazine. All magazines used to publish the DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS given materials. First of all it was information from the World‘s Oldest Traditional Bodybuilding Contest, the only one annual International Bodybuilding Event in all Socialist Counties, the „Amber Prix International“ (1968-2025). The Czechoslovakia „Trener“ Magazines were published by JOZEF MAZAK and later by MILAN PERDOCH.
ONE MORE STEP AGAINST COMMUNIST REGIME.
The first great victory against the political Communist Regime during the time of prohibition and prosecution of bodybuilding sport in the Socialist Countries was achieved in 1977 by personal efforts and personal risk of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS. DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS wrote a petition to defend prohibited bodybuilding. Then he went to Moscow and addressed the Communist Party headquarters and main U.S.S.R. newspapers. After a dialogue the U.S.S.R. political power gave DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS the unique exceptional permeation to organize annual bodybuilding contest „Amber Prix International“ in Klaipeda, Lithuania.
That were the exact activities and actions of the President W.F.F.-W.B.B.F. International DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS which during his Official Visit to the Vatican Administration were named by the Vatican Congregat Prefect J. Em. JOZEF KARDINAL TOMKO as the „dissident“ actions against the political Communist Regime (2011).
For this work done the Vatican Congregat Prefect J. Em. JOZEF KARDINAL TOMKO presented the Vatican Pontific Medal (Medaglia Ufficiale di Pontificato di Sua Santita Benedetto XVI) to International President W.F.F. - W.B.B.F. DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS (Headquarters State Vatican, Cita del Vaticano, March 29, 2011).
In 1977 already for the second time in a row DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS went to work in Czechoslovakia for two months again. After the first real political victory to organize „Amber Prix International“ was achieved, DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS went to Prague with another unbelievable brave International idea that did not corresponded with the political Communist Regime politics again. During the time of bodybuilding prohibition DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS set a plan to organize International Bodybuilding Competition between U.S.S.R. and Czechoslovakia National Bodybuilding Teams. That was the unbelievable brave and fantastic idea. First the contest should be organized in Klaipeda (Lithuania) and after in Prague. The U.S.S.R. and Lithuania Official Sport Stuff did not support DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS. Even more, they wanted to stop and threatened him. But the big wish of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS to do good for the bodybuilding sport was very big and he dared to go on.
Then in Prague were organized a number of mutual meetings of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS and the President Czechoslovakia National Bodybuilding Federation VOJTECH FIALA and his assistant IVAN MACH. After this all of them met the Chairman of the Ministry Sport Czechoslovakia. During these meetings were set and spoken all details to fulfil the International DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS idea.
It was very good that Czechoslovaks were positive towards DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS International plans as the Czechoslovakia bodybuilding was on the same way as the prohibited U.S.S.R. and Lithuania sport. All of us had to behave brave in order to get the positive results in standing against the bodybuilding sport enemies we had to use not standard methods.
Nobody of the Bodybuilding Sport Leaders believed in success, but DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS won again. It was the second time DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS managed to make the Political Communist Regime Officials (not the Official Sport officials who were afraid to move!!!) to believe of the necessity of the International Sport Cooperation between the Socialist Countries. In Bodybuilding as well. Especially it was about the Czechoslovakia Republic which was right after the 1968 unsuccessful anti – Communist Revolution. The politicians a little changed DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS plans and suggested to organize the first International Bodybuilding Event in Czechoslovakia Prague and only after this in Klaipeda. But that was not so important . We won again!
Step by step DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS received for all top U.S.S.R. Bodybuilders personal invitations to participate in Prague in 1978. During the years the best bodybuilders of the U.S.S.R. were the Lithuanian ones and that made DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS contest preparation work much easier. It seemed that it is the time to make the last finishing touches... Unfortunately some bad sides of the human being appeared – the envy. The U.S.S.R. and Lithuania Bodybuilding Leaders who were afraid to support DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS initiatives and works before, now they could not stand the success of the coming International Project. They wrote blackmailing letters to the Political Police. And their intrigues and activities ruined the plans and all the hard work done went to zero. Later on the same U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Officials many times did the same „devils“work - they offended and blackmailed their colleagues. It had happened during the first visits of the Owner and the President of the I.F.B.B. Commercial Company BEN WEIDER to the U.S.S.R. (1974 and 1987). They organized International intrigues about the Over All „Amber Prix International“ Champion OLEV ANNUS (Estonia, 1981). They organized International intrigues about the Over All „Amber Prix International“ Champions ROLANDAS BUCINSKAS and JURUJ GUSEV (Lithuania, 1980-1981). They organized International intrigues about the Over All „Amber Prix International“ Champions VIKTORAS JUCYS and SAULIUS MISEVICIUS (Lithuania, 1988). End a number of more similar facts...
COMMUNIST POWER LETS BODYBUILDING LIFE TO BE MORE EASY.
As we have written before, after DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS efforts for Bodybuilding Sport the „Iron Wall“ was broken and the sport life became more easy. The constant relations between Socialist Countries started to be regular. Still only the Czechoslovakia bodybuilders used to participate at the „Western“ contests and this was a very important example for other Countries to follow. Anyway the Socialist Countries always did their best to organize their own International Bodybuilding Events. In the nineties of the last Century the best U.S.S.R. bodybuilders used to participate in Poland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary and German Democratic Republic (D.D.R.).
During this time a famous top level bodybuilding trainer LUDEK NOSEK organized the regular traditional International Bodybuilding „Sandow“ Competitions in Czechoslovakia Marianske Lazne resort. Later LUDEK NOSEK was the President of the National Bodybuilding Federation of Czechoslovakia. Appointed by the Ministry Sport Lithuania (Minister Sport ZIGMAS MOTIEKAITIS) DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS several times led the National Team Lithuania to the „Sandow“ Contest. Among the participants were the best Soviet time sportsmen „Amber Prix International“ champions ROLANDAS BUCINSKAS, ZIGMAS PRALGAUSKAS, RIMONTAS MAZIONIS and SAULIUS MISEVICIUS. It used to be that right after the Marianske Lazne „Sandow“ Contest a number of International Bodybuilding Events were organized in other Czechoslovakia places. And Lithuanians participated at those competitions too.
I.F.B.B. ANTIDEMOCRATIC DICTATORSHIP.
Supported by the Ministry of Sport of the Republic Lithuania DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS organized first Europe Championship in Lithuanian Klaipeda City in 1996. In Lithuania that was the first so high ranked International Bodybuilding Event ever. Also it was the first Official International Event in Lithuania after the Country restored it‘s Independence in 1991. Then it was Czech organizer BOB DIVILEK who led the Czech National Team at this Event. Knowing so many years lasting DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS International work in Czechoslovakia, BOB DIVILEK invited Lithuania National Team to the International Bodybuilding Contest in the City of Zlin (1996).
DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS led the National Team to Czech that consisted of the National Champions ALGIRDAS KILCIAUSKAS, VYTAUTAS KINDURYS and IDALIJA KAMINSKAITE. One of the Contest Judges at the Event was Professor KAREL TUCHACEK from Prague. Seeing the high status of the participating Lithuania Bodybuilders Professor KAREL TUCHACEK invited them to the soon coming International “Mega Pro” Contests in Prague and Brno Cities. Lithuanians agreed to remain staying in Czech and to continue participating further. Again among the numerous International participants Lithuanians took high places. Due to this the main “Mega Pro” Contest organizer and the former Europe Champion LIBOR MINARIK invited Lithuania National Team to the same International Events in Prague and Brno next year (1997).
After back from „Mega Pro“ Lithuania Bodybuilders became very famous as the Lithuania Press and the National Television made numerous reports about their wins. Unfortunately not everybody liked this success...
After received the official Invitation Lithuania National Bodybuilding Team led by DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS went to Czech Contests again in 1997. Right before Lithuanians went on the Contest stage the National I.F.B.B. Lithuania President called to the Czech Organizer LIBOR MINARIK and insisted he will not let Lithuanians participate at these Events. His reason was that the Lithuanians were representing another sport Federation but not the I.F.B.B.. LIBOR MINARIK told him that he invited his old friends to Czech Competitions and he see no reason to forbid them participating. Again in 1997 Lithuanians took high places among all International Competitors. But that was not the end. Envying the wins of their natives the Lithuania I.F.B.B. leaders wrote a letter to the Owner and the President of the I.F.B.B. Commercial Company BEN WEIDER (Canada). BEN WEIDER told the Czech I.F.B.B. representatives that if they will allow Lithuanians participating again the Czech National Team will be suspended for a long time from all I.F.B.B. Contests. This was the last important Lithuania International Bodybuilding wins in Czech Republic. After this no other Lithuanian won any important International Event in Czech Competitions again.
TIME PERIOD OF MARTIN KUTA.
EVEN ONE MAN CAN DO A LOT.
It seems that even one man can do a lot on International Level. A famous Czech businessman MARTIN KUTA was always a fitness sport fan. In 2005 MARTIN KUTA addressed the W.F.F.-W.B.B.F. International President DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS asking permeation to represent as the Chairman the W.F.F.-W.B.B.F. Federation in Czech Republic and to organize annual W.F.F. Fitness Professional World Championship in Prague. From 1999 MARTIN KUTA used to organize a fitness competition in Prague, but this contest had no official International Contest Status.
The initiative of MARTIN KUTA was supported by the Major of the City Prague and by one of the Czech Socialdemocratic Party Leaders PETR HULINSKI. The W.F.F. Pro World Championship Organizers took the responsibility to collect every year five hundred thousand Euro for the competition as the prize money for Pros, as the payment for luxurious transport, food and accommodation for the International Delegates. The W.F.F.-W.B.B.F. International was responsible to collect the Best International Pro Fitness Competitors.
The common work started in 2006. Every year the Czech Organizers hired a famous historic barocco Zofrin Palace that was placed on the Vltava river island right in the centre of Prague City. The Major City Prague was personally present at every W.F.F. Pro Event and all possible Czech Media was televising and covering the World Championship as well. Every Event was crowned by a superiors banquette where Czech VIP persons could communicate with the famous International Athletes direct.
At the W.F.F. contests in Prague worked a number of famous Czech bodybuilding personalities among which were PETR STACH and Professor KAREL TUCHACEK.
Once it happened that a famous USA Pro Bodybuilder JUSTIN DEXTER after his win at the JOE WEIDER‘S „OLYMPIA“ was in Prague. Having no possibilities to honour the famous bodybuilder themselves the Czech I.F.B.B. Leaders asked the Czech National W.F.F.-W.B.B.F. President MARTIN KUTA to help them and to let JUSTIN DEXTER stay free at one of his hotels in Prague. The W.F.F.-W.B.B.F. President agreed to help another friendly Federation. Why not?
During the mentioned period of time MARTIN KUTA led the W.F.F. - W.B.B.F. Czech National Federation Delegates at the W.F.F.-W.B.B.F. International Events in Austria, Poland, Germany and Lithuania. MARTIN KUTA was among the International Delegates at the Official Meeting at the Parliament Republic Lithuania (2007, 2008) and at the International Press Conference at the Lithuania News Agency „ELTA“ (2008).
The nice initiative stopped when in 2010 MARTIN KUTA went to constant work to the USA. Nobody else in Czech Republic could replace MARTIN KUTA to continue the International activities he started once before.
INFORMATION.
More information on the International Site www.wff.lt, see forum topics.
RE: "GEORG TENNO MEMORIALS" (1971 - 2025) - Edita Sendriene - 12-06-2025
WORLD BODYBUILDING HISTORY.
ONLY THREE CONTESTS HAD HISTORIC STRATEGIC VALUE.
Today the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. (World Fitness Federation, World Body Building Federation) International unites 140 Country – Members and organizes nearly 60 annual Amateur and Professional International Events World Wide. Looking from the juridical point of view the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. International is no doubt the Real World Bodybuilding Leader.
Crowning it‘s 56 years of International Bodybuilding activities, the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. works on the Unique Global International Bodybuilding Project - the „World Bodybuilding Encyclopedia“ («Энциклопедия всемирного культуризма», “Pasaulio kultūrizmo enciklopedija”).
Part One of the Encyclopedia covering period since ancient times to 1973 is finished. Now we are working on the Second Book covering period of time since 1973 until 1991.
ONLY THREE CONTESTS HAD HISTORIC STRATEGIC VALUE.
There are many various level competitions around us and the value to the World‘s sport of every one is different. Through the time today working on the „World Bodybuilding Encyclopedia“ we can clearly see what really every competition means to our sport. During the eighties of the last Century only three contests played great historic role to the Socialist Bodybuilding and to the World‘s Bodybuilding as well. The World was divided politically and the Bodybuilding Sport was prohibited in the Socialist Countries. It was a big risk for everybody to be connected with this sport. This means that always we look upon the same things from the different point of view. Today we can underline that only three events were extremely important for the further development of bodybuilding:
- 1974 „Georg Tenno Memorial“ (1971 – 1989, «Мемориал Георга Тенно», Tallinn, Estonian SSR, organized Innar Mardo, Иннар Мардо)
1975 I.F.B.B. Europe Championship (Amsterdam, Holland). VOJTECH FIALA from Czechoslovakia had broken the „Iron Wall“ and first time in sport‘s history PETER STACH won the Europe Champion‘s title)
- 1978 „Amber Prix International“ („Gintarinis prizas“, „Янтарный приз», Klaipeda, Lithuanian SSR, organized by DSc. Edmundas Daubaras, Др. Эдмундас Даубарас) opened the new page of the U.S.S.R. bodybuilding.
We will speak about each of the mentioned events and explain the essence. Only due to these competitions our sport looks as it looks now.
UNIQUE „AMBER PRIX INTERNATIONAL“.
The „Amber Prix International“ („Gintarinis prizas“, «Янтарный приз», 1968 – 2025 , Klaipeda, Republic Lithuania) was and still is a unique happening. It needs to be studied thoroughly by the specialists of the sport history. There is no other international contest in the World which is so much connected with the World history.
The „Amber Prix International“ is the oldest traditional competition after the N.A.B.B.A. (National Amateur Body Building Association) „Mr. Universe“ that is held in the UK since 1950.
We will touch the following topics while telling stories about the „Amber Prix International“:
- During the twenty years lasting prohibition of bodybuilding sport the „Amber Prix International“ together with the „Georg Tenno Memorial“ („Мемориал Георга Тенно», 1971 – 1989, Tallinn, Estonian SSR) were the only ones regular International bodybuilding competitions in the U.S.S.R. and all Socialist countries.
- The possibility to organize open bodybuilding contests in other places came when in 1978 DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS won the fight for bodybuilding against the Highest Communist Institutions of the U.S.S.R.
- In 1986 during the „Amber Prix International“ in Klaipeda leaders of the U.S.S.R. bodybuilding agreed about the future plans to set the U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding federation and the ways how to develop bodybuilding
- There were some records. In 1990 at the „Amber Prix International“ participated 89 teams and there were over 50 participants in each category
- Together with the „Amber Prix International“ in 1990 and in 1991 official U.S.S.R. junior Championships were held
- Ending the nineties of the last century the Ministry of Sport of the U.S.S.R. (U.S.S.R. Goskomsport, Госкомспорт С.С.С.Р.) named the „Amber Prix International“ as „unofficial USSR Championship“ («неофициальный Чемпионат С.С.С.Р.) and started presenting names of the „Sport master of the U.S.S.R.“ («Мастер спорта С.С.С.Р.») to the winners of the „Amber Prix International“
- During the history the Chairmen of our competitions were Prime Ministers of the Republic Lithuania, Ministers and Members of the Parliament
- Celebrating 40 years of the „Amber Prix International“ in 2008 the Parliament of the Republic Lithuania voted for the State financing of the „Amber Prix International“. The money was placed to the Budget of the Lithuanian Republic.
- In 2011 the Official Meeting of the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. (World Fitness Federation, World Body Building Federation) Interantional President DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS was organized in Vatican.
Listening about “Amber Prix International” during the years of prohibition of sport in the Socialist Countries Vatican Congregat Perfect J. Em. JOZEF KARDINAL TOMKO evaluated efforts of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS and named him as „dissident of the Communist regime“. The Vatican Congregat Perfect J. Em. JOZEF KARDINAL TOMKO presented the Vatican Pontific Medal (Medaglia Ufficiale di Pontificato di Sua Santita Benedetto XVI) to DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS (Headquarters State Vatican, Cita del Vaticano, March 29, 2011).
- In 2015 a number of Members of Parliament Republic and Government Lithuania were present at the „Amber Prix International“. The High Quest Officials called DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS an „Embassador of the Republic Lithuania in the World“ seeing high level of competition and participating many athletes from Europe, Asia, America and Africa.
BACKGROUND OF HISTORICAL 1978 „AMBER PRIX INTERNATIONAL“.
Until prohibition of bodybuilding in the U.S.S.R. and all Socialist countries a number of International competitions were held.
There were two U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Championships (1971, 1972, Russian Federation, R.S.F.S.R., Р.С.Ф.С.Р.); two „Georg Tenno Memorials“ („Georg Tenno Memorial“, «Мемориал Георга Тенно», 1971, 1972, Tallinn, Estonian SSR); three „Amber Prix International“ (1968, 1969, 1970, “Gintarinis prizas“, «Янтарный приз», Klaipeda, Lithuanian SSR) and contests in Lithuanian Vilnius and Kaunas.
In 1973 bodybuilding prohibition started. Estonians led by INNAR MARDO (Иннар Мардо) managed to prove their Government that bodybuilding is „a National Kind of Sport“. Czechoslovakia SSR bodybuilders were led by the President of the National Federation VOJTECH FIALA (Войтех Фиала). VOJTECH FIALA used his personal power and had hidden bodybuilding behind the power exercises. This gave possibilities for Estonians and Czechoslovaks to go on organizing contests.
In 1973 and in 1975 „Georg Tenno Memorial“ was not organized. In 1971, 1972, 1973 „Amber Prix International“ was not organized too. In 1973 just after bodybuilding was prohibited DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS (Др. Эдмундас Даубарас) without any publicity organized „underground“ bodybuilding contest in Klaipeda prison. In 1974 DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS organized „Amber Prix International“ in a nuclear bomb shelter. Following Czechoslovaks 1975, 1976 „Amber Prix International“ was hidden behind the power exercises too. Similar situation was in other cities of the Lithuanian SSR. Without any publicity and without spectators in 1976 International contest was held in Kaunas. In 1977 International contest was held in a gym of Kedainiai.
In 1976 Russians organized International contest in Kalinin (Калинин, Р.С.Ф.С.Р., now Tver). The contest was prohibited and it was done underground in a small city gym.
The situation was awful and bodybuilders needed to change it anyway. In 1975 DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS started correspondence with main U.S.S.R. newspapers, Ministry of Sport of the U.S.S.R. (Goskomsport, Госкомспорт С.С.С.Р.). It lasted four years. Finally to fight for defending bodybuilding DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS wrote a petition. He personally brought the petition to Moscow and presented to the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the U.S.S.R. (Центральный Комитет Коммунистической партии С.С.С.Р.) and the Ministry Council of the U.S.S.R. (Совет Министров С.С.С.Р.). All bodybuilding organizers were afraid to support DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS and he did it alone on his own risk to be later prosecuted.
RESISTANCE AGAINST PROHIBITION OF BODYBUILDING.
Main reason to prohibit bodybuilding sport was that it came from the „Western“ countries. This way it was against the „Communist morality“. In 1975 having no support of any bodybuilding organizers in fighting with the bodybuilding prohibition in the Socialist World DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS (Др. Эдмундас Даубарас) went his own way. He was under big impression after return from the Czechoslovakian SSR where he met local bodybuilders. Universities of the Socialist countries used to exchange students for summer time and DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS lucky was among them.
The U.S.S.R. press used to publish negative articles on bodybuilding after the 1973 political bodybuilding prohibition. Most often it was the U.S.S.R. main sport newspaper „Sovietskij Sport“ («Советский спорт») and the main writer was a former weightlifter journalist DMITRIJ IVANOV (Дмитрий Иванов). Ten years ago when bodybuilding started in the U.S.S.R. DMITRIJ IVANOV used to write „good“ positive articles about bodybuilding but now he worked according the political situation. DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS addressed the Chairman of the Office of „Sovietskij Sport“ and asked contacts of DMITRIJ IVANOV. Then the mutual correspondence started. Copies of the letters DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS used to send to the U.S.S.R. Scientific Institute of the Research of the Phisycal Culture (V.N.I.I.F.K., В.Н.И.И.Ф.К., Всесоюзный научно исследовательский институт физической культуры). At that time the Institute worked on the theoretical basis of bodybuilding. During a number of years the Institute managed to find only the Socialist name of bodybuilding and it was „Athletic Gymnastics“ (атлетическая гимнастика). DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS did everything in a „polite manner“.
The situation of bodybuilding in the Estonian SSR and in the Czechoslovakian SSR was a good example to seek and follow. Under the leadership of INNAR MARDO (1946 – 2002) Estonians managed to prove their Government that bodybuilding id a „National Kind of Sport“. Basing on since 1959 traditions of F.I.H.C. in Socialist countries Czechoslovaks for many years had hidden the essence of bodybuilding behind the power exercises.
As we mentioned above the Universities of the Socialist countries used to Exchange their students. This way DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS came to Czechoslovakian SSR in 1975. Then he had a number of meetings with VOJTECH FIALA (Войтех Фиала) who was the President of the National Bodybuilding Federation of Czechoslovakian SSR. Bodybuilders of Czechoslovakia were on top at the I.F.B.B. at that time and DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS learned many things of that.
The Headquarters of the National Bodybuilding Federation of Czechoslovakian SSR was placed in Prague in the building of the Ministry of Sport (Č.S.T.V., Československy Svaz Telesne Vychovi). VOJTECH FIALA introduced DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS to the Chairman of the Ministry and to the secretary of the federation PETER TLAPAK (Петер Тлапак) . In 1976 PETER TLAPAK won the I.F.B.B. Europe Championship.
One day VOJTECH FIALA organized a trip of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS to the suburb of Praha to PETER STACH (Петер Стах). PETER STACH won the Over All Champion‘s title of the 1975 I.F.B.B. Europe Championship. He presented to the guest his training methods and posing abilities.
Invited by Czechoslovaks in 1977 DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS two times visited Czechoslovakian SSR again. VOJTECH FIALA organized his trip to the mountains where National Olympic Centre (Национальный Олимпийский Центр) was placed. Financed by the Government in this Centre Czechoslovakia National Bodybuilding Team was preparing to the coming International competitions. DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS met bodybuilders and their trainers and inspected the Centre.
At the same time bodybuilding organized professor FRANTISEK BULVA (Франтишек Бульва) organized two meetings of the Council of National Bodybuilding Federation of Czechoslovakian SSR in Brno City. Under the recomendation of VOJTECH FIALA DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS took part at these meetings. Then he spoke about the real situation in the U.S.S.R. and learned the „Czechoslovak way“. Also the possiblity to organize contest between U.S.S.R. and Czechoslovakian SSR bodybuilders was spoken over.
Time was running. Nothing was better. Situation was the same after the 1973 prohibition of bodybuilding. Basing of the orders of the U.S.S.R. Ministry of Sport (U.S.S.R. Goskomsport, Госкомспорт С.С.С.Р.) local Governments followed them. Bodybuilders were prosecuted as any other criminals. Gyms were closed. Bodybuilders had problems at their working places. Who dared to risk to organize competitions?
Most bodybuilding organizers left sport. First U.S.S.R. International Bodybuilding Organization (Committee) that was organized in Kaunas (Lithuanian SSR) in 1968 diminished. For example VLADIMIR DUBININ (Leningrad, R.S.F.S.R., Р.С.Ф.С.Р.) left bodybuilding for thirteen years. Nearly everybody was afraid to do anything. Everybody but not all. Few enthuziasts went on organizing contests. Contests were „underground“ and without public and without any publicity. As it was before all bodybuilding competitions were according in 1959 accepted F.I.H.C. rules – posing was done together with power exercises.
The „underground“ bodybuilders got one more strict order of the U.S.S.R. Ministry of Sport (Комитет по физической культуре и спорту при Совете Министров С.С.С.Р.) in 1977. It seemed that there is no more way out of this…
BACKGROUND OF DSC. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS PETITION.
1973 bodybuilding prohibition was the reason that many U.S.S.R. bodybuilding organizers, trainers and athletes left the sport. Among those who still were in activities nobody supported intentions of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS to fight to stop bodybuilding prohibition. All were afraid to go against the regime. So called „Secretary of the U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Federation“ Lithuanian ROMANAS KALINAUSKAS (Романас Калинаускас) said to DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS: „all You do is Your own risk and Your own intentions. For this reason I will not risk my Communist Party membership. If something will go bad – I will say that I even did not know about these Your works“.
DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS was led by the ideas of the Czechoslovakian bodybuilders and their Leader VOJTECH FIALA (Войтех Фиала). „If they can train and make competitions during the bodybuilding prohibition, why we can not? We need to find out the way“.
As we mentioned above, the main author of negative articles about bodybuilding was a former Russian (R.S.F.S.R., Р.С.Ф.С.Р.) weightlifter journalist DMITRIJ IVANOV (Дмитрий Иванов). DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS wanted to know who is behind him. DMITRIJ IVANOW always based his articles on the 1973 -01-24 order of the U.S.S.R. Ministry of Sport (U.S.S.R. Goskomsport, Госкомспорт С.С.С.Р.) to prohibit bodybuilding.
Then DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS started correspondence with DMITRIJ IVANOV. Unfortunately the new strict order to prohibit bodybuilding of the U.S.S.R. Ministry of Sport appeared on December 5, 1977. The order No. 1229 was issued by the U.S.S.R. Minister of Sport Mr. PAVLOV (Председатель комитета по физической культуре и спорту при Совете Министров С.С.С.Р. С.П.ПАВЛОВ). The order said that nevertheless of the 1973 order to prohibit bodybuilding the sport still was alive. In a number of places bodybuilders trained underground and even organized competitions. The Minister wanted to control them. He ordered to go on prohibiting training in gyms and organizing competitons. The Minister told the U.S.S.R. Scientific Institute of the Research of the Phisycal Culture (V.N.I.I.F.K., В.Н.И.И.Ф.К., Всесоюзный научно исследовательский институт физической культуры) to develop training methodics for bodybuilders. The methodics should be according the requirements of the Ministry. To control how the new order is fulfilled the Minister appointed his assistant Mr. IVANOV (Главное управление физического воспитания населения) pirmininkas L.V.IVANOVAS (Л.В.Иванов).
Just after the order of the U.S.S.R. Ministry of Sport the same orders were issued in the Ministries of the Socialist Republics. In 1977 Ministry of Sport of the Lithuanian SSR (Lietuvos TSR sporto komitetas prie Lietuvos TSR Ministrų Tarybos) issued the same order to prohibit bodybuilding and to prosecute the bodybuilders. The order was signed by the Deputy Minister ALGIMANTAS KUKSTA (Альгимантас Кукшта).
Then to stop bodybuilding prohibition DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS started correspondence with the U.S.S.R. Ministry of Sport direct. To discuss the matter he asked the Ministry to arrange a meeting with bodybuilding organizers. Dsc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS received the answer to his letter from the Deputy Minister of the U.S.S.R. Ministry of Sport Mr.IVONIN (Заместитель председателя министерства спорта С.С.С.Р. В.А.ИВОНИН). The answer of the Deputy Minister was negative. For DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS was left the only one way – to address the „bosses“ of the U.S.S.R. Ministry of Sport. That were the Central Committee of the U.S.S.R. Communist Party (Центральный Комитет Коммунистической партии С.С.С.Р.) and the U.S.S.R. Ministry Council (Совет Министров С.С.С.Р.).
DSC. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS VISITED MINISTER OF SPORT.
After evaluating the risks DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS (Др. Эдмундас Даубарас) decided to go to Moscow.
Before going to Moscow DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS found the possibility to visit Minister of Sport of the Lithuanian SSR (Lietuvos TSR Kūno kultūros ir sporto komiteto prie Lietuvos TSR Ministrų Tarybos pirmininkas) Mr. ZIGMAS MOTIEKAITIS (Зигмас Мотекайтис, 1936).
At the meeting DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS spoke about his planned visit to the Central Committee of the U.S.S.R. Communist Party (Центральный Комитет Коммунистической партии С.С.С.Р.) and to the U.S.S.R. Ministry Council (Совет Министров С.С.С.Р.). Also both spoke about the petition of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS to fight against bodybuilding prohibition. DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS spoke to the Minister about the easy situation for bodybuilding in the Czechoslovakia SSR and Estonian SSR (Чехословацкая ССР и Эстонская ССР). The Minister was stable – the order of the U.S.S.R. Minister of Sport to prohibit bodybuilding is above everything.
The Minister advised DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS not to go to Moscow and not to present his petition to defend bodybuilding sport. Mr. ZIGMAS MOTIEKAITIS was sure that after this DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS will be punished.
DSC. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS PETITION AGAINST BODYBUILDING PROHIBITION.
The situation of bodybuilding sport was very complicated after the 1977 bodybuilding prohibiting Order No. 1229 of the Minister of Sport of the U.S.S.R. S.P.PAVLOV (Председатель комитета по физической культуре и спорту при Совете Министров С.С.С.Р. С.П.ПАВЛОВ) and after the same orders of the Ministries of Sport of the Socialist Republics. Most thought that bodybuilding is finished. Then DSc. Edmundas Daubaras risked to fight against bodybuilding prohibition and wrote a thirteen pages petition. Was he afraid? Yes. But the wish to free bodybuilding was bigger than the fear.
It was not possible to send the petition by post. All letters addressed to the high political institutions of the U.S.S.R. were stopped by the local services. DSc. Edmundas Daubaras had to go to Moscow personally of to present his petition himself. So he did. DSc. Edmundas Daubaras went to Moscow and presented the petition to the Central Committee of the U.S.S.R. Communist Party (Центральный Комитет Коммунистической партии С.С.С.Р.), to the U.S.S.R. Supreme Council (Верховный Совет С.С.С.Р.) and the U.S.S.R. Ministry Council (Совет Министров С.С.С.Р.) and to the U.S.S.R. cental political newspapers „Pravda“ («Правда») and „Izvestija“ («Известия»).
In front of the U.S.S.R. Ministry Council K.G.B. agents stopped DSc. Edmundas Daubaras. They spoke about the aims of the visit and scrutinized the petition. After that they let DSc. Edmundas Daubaras go inside the building.
Short contence of the DSc. Edmundas Daubaras petition:
The petition was politisized. Otherwise nobody even would read it. DSc. Edmundas Daubaras explained the situation of bodybuilding in the World, Socialist countries and the U.S.S.R.. He underlined the positive sides of bodybuilding sport.
Big part of the petiton was discussion over the above mentioned Order No. 1229 of the Minister of Sport of the U.S.S.R. S.P.PAVLOV. also DSc. Edmundas Daubaras discussed the unreal facts presented by journalist DMITRIJ IVANOV (Дмитрий Иванов) in his „Sovetskij Sport“ («Советский спорт») article „Izlom“ («Излом»).
Covering the topic DSc. Edmundas Daubaras suggested to organize a common meeting of the representatives of the Ministry of Sporto f the U.S.S.R., the V.N.I.I.F.K. (В.Н.И.И.Ф.К., Всесоюзный научно исследовательский институт физической культуры) and bodybuilders. All bodybuilding questions could be discussed and the solution could be found.
RESULTS OF DSC. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS DEFENDING BODYBUILDING PETITION.
So, in 1978 finally the petition of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS to defend bodybuilding sport was personally by DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS presented to Moscow (Capital of the U.S.S.R.). The addresses were the Central Committee of the U.S.S.R. Communist Party (Центральный Комитет Коммунистической партии С.С.С.Р.) and the U.S.S.R. Ministry Council (Совет Министров С.С.С.Р.). After it DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS returned from Moscow to Klaipeda (Lithuanian SSR). What was next? Punishment? Prosecution? Loosing job? There was a two week silence. Once the phone at the appartment of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS rang. It was the Chairman of the Propaganda department of the Central Committee of the U.S.S.R. Communist Party who spoke to DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS. The Chairman was interested in the details of the petition.
After some days DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS received another call from Moscow. The same Chairman asked about the details of the petition again. DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS was tensious as the high representative of the U.S.S.R. Communist Party said nothing definite to him.
Suddenly the telephone of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS was swiched off and through his work he was invited to the Headquarters of the Depertments of the Communist Party of Klaipeda City. The Chairman of the Department of the Communist Party of Klaipeda City JONAS GURECKAS (Секретарь комитета коммунистической партии г. Клайпеда Ионас Гурецкас) met DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS in person. During a long discussion DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS told him about his voyage to Moscow, abouth the bodybuilding in the World, in the the U.S.S.R., in the Lithuanian SSR and in Klaipeda City. Finally the Chairman JONAS GURECKAS told to DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS to stop contacting High Officials of the U.S.S.R.. He said DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS that they permit him to organize bodybuilding competitions in Klaipeda City. Bodybuilders had to train in several definite gyms which were controlled by the Municipal Department of Sport of Klaipeda.
Unexpected decission of the U.S.S.R. Highest Officials was really shocking. The petition of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS rised the question of bodybuilding on such high political and governmental levels. This way the positive decission was got. That was the VICTORY. That was the Victory of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS, of the World bodybuilding, of the bodybuilding in Socialist Countries, of the U.S.S.R. bodybuilding and bodybuilding in the Lithuanian SSR as well. The prohibition of bodybuilding in the U.S.S.R. still egzisted, the prosecution of it in the Socialist Countries went on. But the permition to train and to organize official bodybuilding contests in Klaipeda City was received.
In 2011 the Official Meeting of the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. (World Fitness Federation, World Body Building Federation) Interantional President DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS was organized in Vatican. Listening about “Amber Prix International” (“Gintarinis prizas”, “Янтарный приз», 1968 – 2023) during the years of prohibition of sport in the Socialist Countries Vatican Congregat Perfect J. Em. JOZEF KARDINAL TOMKO evaluated efforts of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS and named him as „dissident of the Communist regime“. The Vatican Congregat Perfect J. Em. JOZEF KARDINAL TOMKO presented the Vatican Pontific Medal (Medaglia Ufficiale di Pontificato di Sua Santita Benedetto XVI) to DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS (Headquarters State Vatican, Cita del Vaticano, March 29, 2011). But about this we will speak later.
WHEN BODYBUILDING WAS PROHIBITED.
IN 1978 „AMBER PRIX“ BECAME OFFICIAL INTERNATIONAL BODYBUILDING CONTEST.
We have mentioned something before but there are some items to underline again.
In 1973 bodybuilding sport was prohibited in the U.S.S.R. and Socialist Countries. The only one Contest was allowed – that was the „Georg Tenno Memorial“ («Мемориал Георга Тенно, 1971- 1989, Tallinn, Estonian SSR, see our previous articles). Due to bodybuilding prohibition the „Georg Tenno Memorial“ also was not regular. In 1973 and in 1975 Estonians could not manage to organize the Competition.
After bodybuilding prohibition started in the eighties of the last century only few underground International Contests were organized. Hiding of prosecution in 1974 in Klaipeda (Lithuanian SSR) DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS organized the „Amber Prix“ („Gintarinis prizas“, «Янтарный приз», 1968 – 2023) in a bomb shelter. The Over All Winner was VYTAUTAS ZENKEVICIUS (Витаутас Зенкявичус). In 1975 DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS organized „Amber Prix“ at one of Klaipeda secondary schools. The Over All Winner was RICARDAS KRINICKIS (Ричардас Криницкис, Vilnius, Lithuanian SSR). Both Contests were illegal and without any public. Just to be on the safe side both Contests were held with power exercises.
In 1976 the International Contest was organized in Kalinin (now Tver, Russian Federation, Тверь, Р.С.Ф.С.Р.). The Over All Winner was RICARDAS KRINICKIS. Competition was done illegaly without public in a local gym.
In 1976 the International Contest was organized in Kaunas (Lithuanian SSR). It was done in a factory outside the city. The Over All Winner was OLEV ANNUS (Estonian SSR, Олев Аннус). Also this contest was illegal and without public.
In 1976 DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS organized „Amber Prix“ in a small Lithuanian city of Telsiai. It was held together with power exercises. The same way several „Georg Tenno Momorials“ were held in Estonia by INNAR MARDO (Иннар Мардо, 1946 – 2002). Though the sport was prohibited, DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS managed to press the Telsiai administration and it permitted to do the Competition finals in a city Palace of Culture. The hall was full of spectators. The Over All Winner was RICARDAS KRINICKIS.
In 1977 the International Contest was organized in a small city of Kedainiai. The venue place was a local gym. The Competition was without public. Category Winners were EUGENE GORELIK (Евгений Горелик), RICARDAS KRINICKIS and OLEV ANNUS. The Over All Winner was OLEV ANNUS.
Paying no attention to bodybuilding prohibition DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS organized 1977 the „Lithuania Bodybuilding Cup“ («Кубок Литовской ССР»). Also in the same 1977 year he organized the „Amber Prix“. Both competitions were done in public. Both were organized with a crowd of spectators in the Palace of Culture of Klaipeda Port (дворец культуры Клайпедского морского торгового порта). The Category Winners of the „Amber Рrix“ were EUGENE GORELIK, RISARDAS KRINICKIS and STASYS CUKANOVAS (Стасис Цукановас). Then the Over All Winner of „Amber Prix“ was STASYS CUKANOVAS (Vilnius, Lithuanian SSR). At before in 1972, 1974 at the „Goerg Tenno Memorial“ all „Amber Prix“ first places went to the representatives of the famous „Vilnius Bodybuilding School“ («Вильнюсская школа культуризма»). The School was led by CESLAV TAMULEVICH (Чеслав Тамулевич) and VITALIJ ASOVSKIJ (Виталий Асовский).
To celebrate 10 years of a local gym in 1978 another illegal Contest was organized in Kaunas. Again it was illegal and without public.
This way we reached the time when in 1978 DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS under his risk wrote the petition and personally brought it to the Capital of the U.S.S.R. Moscow. The petition was to defend the bodybuilding sport (петиция Др. Эдмундаса Даубараса в защиту культуризма). DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS presented the petition to the U.S.S.R. Central Committee of the Communist Party (Центральный Комитет Коммунистической Партии С.С.С.Р.) and to the U.S.S.R. Ministry Council (Совет Министров С.С.С.Р.). As a result of this the Communist Party gave permittion to train for bodybuilders of Klaipeda city. Also DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS was permitted to organize „Amber prix“ competition in Klaipeda.
PETITION OF DSC. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS BROKE PROHIBITION OF BODYBUILDING.
1978 „AMBER PRIX INTERNATIONAL“.
It is evident that most bodybuilders do not know the history of bodybuilding. Most take as a surprise what we are presenting in our articles. Somenow it is a historic shock for them. We are presenting here the final results of the 1978 „Amber Prix International“ (‚Gintarinis prizas“, «Янтарный приз», 1968 - 2023) until the authors of the „World Bodybuilding Encyclopedia“ („Pasaulio kultūrizmo enciklopedija“, «Энциклопедия всемирного культуризма») are working on with the folowing historic materials. We must underline that this contest was held during the severe prosecution of bodybuilding. As the specialists and historians of bodybuilding say the 1978 „Amber Prix International“ was the unofficial „U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Championship“ („neoficialus T.S.R.S. kultūrizmo čempionatas“, «неофициальный чемпионат С.С.С.Р. по культуризму»). And after the 1978 this contest remained the „U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Championship“ until 1988 (in 1988 the first U.S.S.R. Official Cup of Bodybuilding was held, „первый официальный кубок С.С.С.Р. по культуризму“). Later the U.S.S.R. Ministry of Sport (U.S.S.R. Goskomsport, Госкомспорт С.С.С.Р.) recognized the „Amber Prix International“ as it had been the „U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Championship“. By the way the stage of the 1978 competition, prizes and medals were decorated as the „U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Championship“ - „Amber Prix“.
Final Results of the 1978 „Amber Prix“ International“.
Participated bodybuilders from R.S.F.S.R., Ukrainian SSR, Estonian SSR, Belorussian SSR, Latvian SSR, Lithuanian SSR.
Juniors
First Hight Category
1. CHLEBORODOV VIACESLAV (Хлебородов Вячеслав, Lithuanian SSR)
2. BOGDANOVIC VALERIJ (Богданович Валерий, Belorussian SSR)
3. JANCIAUSKAS POVILAS (Lithuanian SSR)
Second Hight Category
1. UCKUS BENAS (Lithuanian SSR)
2. DOLGOV BORIS (Долгов Борис, Lithuanian SSR)
3. APULSKIS RIMAS (Lithuanian SSR)
Third Hight Category
1. PETRAUSKAS RICARDAS (Lithuanian SSR)
2. REMEIKA ALBERTAS (Lithuanian SSR)
3. IVANAUSKAS ALGIS (Lithuanian SSR)
Main Categories
First Hight Category
1. GORELIK JEVGENIJ (Горелик Евгений, Lithuanian SSR)
2. KAPCEVICIUS VLADAS (Lithuanian SSR)
3. ZITINSKIJ BORIS (Житинский Борис, Estonian SSR)
Second Hight Category
1. CUKANOVAS STASYS (Цукановас Стасис, Lithuanian SSR)
2. JELUFIMOV VLADIMIR (Елуфимов Владимир, Estonian SSR)
3. REIM RAIVO (Рейм Райво, Estonian SSR)
Third Hight Category
1. ANNUS OLEV (Estonian SSR)
2. ZURCEV EUGENE (Журцев Евгений, Lithuanian SSR)
3. BESAKIRSKAS ALBERTAS (Lithuanian SSR).
Over All Winners
VIACESLAV CHLEBORODOV – juniors, OLEV ANNUS – Main Categories.
INFORMATION.
More detailed information on the Global International Site www.wff.lt, see forum topics.
RE: "GEORG TENNO MEMORIALS" (1971 - 2025) - UGNE_WFF_WBBF_secretary - 12-11-2025
„GEORG TENNO MEMORIAL“
OVER ALL WINNERS
(1971 – 2024)
Year, Name, Country.
1971, DUBININ VLADIMIR, RUSSIA
1972, DUBININ VLADIMIR, RUSSIA
1974, MURAUSKAS PRANAS, LITHUANIA
1976, ANNUS OLEV, ESTONIA
1977, ANNUS OLEV, ESTONIA
1978, ANNUS OLEV, ESTONIA
1979, ANNUS OLEV, ESTONIA
1981, MILVYDAS ARVYDAS, LITHUANIA
1982, MISEVICIUS SAULIUS, LITHUANIA
1983, AJU ARKADI, ESTONIA
1984, KOSENKO PAVEL, ESTONIA
1985, OTSUS INDREK, ESTONIA
1987, KOSENKO PAVEL, ESTONIA
1989, KOSENKO PAVEL, ESTONIA
2024 SASSIAD ERKKI, ESTONIA.
Official Documents, Articles, Statistics on Global Page www.wff.lt
RE: "GEORG TENNO MEMORIALS" (1971 - 2025) - Edita Sendriene - 12-14-2025
1990 SOCIALIST BODYBUILDING NEWS.
1990 I.F.B.B. WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, MALAYSIA.
In 1990 U.S.S.R. bodybuilding was tightly connected with the I.F.B.B. (International Federation of Body Builders). In 1990 I.F.B.B. federation was celebrating it‘s 20 years anyversary (I.F.B.B. was created by the F.I.H.C. (F.I.H.C., Federation Internationale Halterophile et Culturiste) General Secretary OSCAR STATE in 1970 in Belgrade, Yugoslavia). Most all sports athletes of Lithuania did not participe at the official U.S.S.R. Championships and the U.S.S.R. National Teams under request of the National Olympic Committee of the Lithuanian SSR (L.T.O.K., Lietuvos Tautinis Olimpinis Komitetas, Национальный Олимпийский комитет Литовской ССР). But not all bodybuilders followed this N.O.C. request. In 1990 U.S.S.R. bodybuilders participated at the I.F.B.B. World Championship in Kuala Lampur (Malaysia). As it was in 1989 during the I.F.B.B. World Championship in Paris (France) DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS was invited to Malaysia as a personal quest of the I.F.B.B. President BEN WEIDER. As it was in 1989 during the I.F.B.B. World Championship in Paris (France) DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS could take any Lithuanian SSR represitative to accompany him. This time DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS took RAMUTIS KAIRAITIS with him as in 1989 Vice President «U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Federation» («Федерация культуризма С.С.С.Р.») ROMANAS KALINAUSKAS behaved rude in Paris. Representatives of the Lithuanian SSR went to Malaysia separate of the U.S.S.R. National Team.
One hundred bodybuilders participated at the 1990 I.F.B.B. World Championship. The contest was very pompastic. For organization of the contest was done huge work of the I.F.B.B. Vice President PAUL CHUA (Singapore). As USA sport specialist BOB GOLDMAN explained, the Malaysia Prime Minister MOHAMAD MAHATHIR gave 3.400 million USA dollars state money for the contest. Also he was present at the competition too. World Championship Category Winners were: EL AMAWY (Egypt), JOSEF DAWSON (USA), WILHELM JASINOWSKI (Germany), ALQ GURLAY (USA), AHIM ALBRECHT (Germany).
1990 I.F.B.B. „MISS OLYMPIA“, NEW YORK.
After 1990 I.F.B.B. World Championship in Malaysia in order to continue the dialogue with DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS the I.F.B.B. President BEN WEIDER invited him as his personal quest to 1990 I.F.B.B. professional „Miss Olympia“ in New York (USA). That was already the 11-th I.F.B.B. Pro „Miss Olympia“ competition. Many top Professional women bodybuilders left the sport as the new „huge muscle“ generation came on Professional stage. Big muscle road started with LENDA MURRAY. Again as it was at the 1989 I.F.B.B. World Championship in Paris (France) and as it was at the 1990 I.F.B.B. World Championship in Kuala Lampur (Malaysia) BEN WEIDER agreed that DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS for negotiations will take one more representative of the Lithuanian Republic. This time DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS took together the 1981 „Amber Prix International“ („Gintarinis prizas“, «Янтарный приз», 1968 – 2025) and Category Winner of the 1988 „U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Cup“ («Кубок С.С.С.Р. по культуризму») Champion SAULIUS MISEVICIUS. 1990 „Miss Olympia“ was held at the New York „Beacon Theatre“.
The negotiations about Lithuania entering the I.F.B.B. separate from the „U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Federation“ («Федерация культуризма С.С.С.Р.») were held in New York „Hemsley“ hotel. The I.F.B.B. President BEN WEIDER informed DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS about this decission to folow the rules of the „U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Federation“ and not to alow Lithuania to enter the I.F.B.B. steping ove the U.S.S.R..
The places at the 1990 I.F.B.B. „Miss Olympia“ were as it is: first Lenda Murray (USA), second Bev Francis (Australia), third Anja Schreiner (Germany), fourth Laura Creavalle (USA), fifth Jackie Paisley (USA), sixth Sharon Arrildt (USA).
1990. W.B.F.. VINCE MAC MAHON.
In 1990 there was a big crisis in the I.F.B.B.. I.F.B.B. had no „federation patriots“. Nearly all I.F.B.B. professionals left I.F.B.B.. very active in the new W.B.F. (World Bodybuilding Federation“) were TOM PLATZ and LOU FERRIGNO. Also there were somehow DANNY PADILLA and TONY PEARSON. Famous Pro bodybuildewrs entered newly done federation W.B.F. which was created by American VINCE MAC MAHON. VINCE MAC MAHON made no secret – he wanted to make business of it. In order to collect best professional bodybuilders he declared an uncomparibably very big prize money for bodybuilders. „Joe Weider‘s Olympia“ could not compete with VINCE MAC MAHON‘s prize money. The biggest success was for GARY STRYDOM. He took 275 000 USA dollars then. He got real money. It was not like it is now – they declare big prize money at Pro contests and athletes receive nothing at all. It is a very good way to fool athlets. Do You know at least one Pro bodybuilder who became rich by winning prize money at contests? We mean real prize money, not of selling „supplements“, narcotics or selling even themselves... (Full Article on Global Site www.wff.lt )
1990. I.F.B.B. EUROPE CHAMPIONSHIP.
It was the first time in the history of the U.S.S.R. to hold European Bodybuilding Championship. It was done in 1990 in Leningrad (R.S.F.S.R.). The Category Winners were: women - SUKUPOVA EVA (Czechoslovakian S.S.R.), KLIEBER BETINA (F.R.G., Federal Republic of Germany), MONTEMAGGI CLAUDIA (Italy); men – GROLMUS PAVOL (Czechoslovakian S.S.R.), CARROLL JOHN (Ireland), BARDONI ANGELO (Italy), PAAVO AIN (U.S.S.R., Estonian SSR), HARTL STEFAN (F.R.G.). Full Article on Global Site www.wff.lt ).
1990. „AMBER PRIX INTERNATIONAL“.
There were two important happenings around the1990 „Amber Prix International“ (Gintarinis prizas“, «Янтарный приз», 1968 – 2024). The first one was since 1988 lasting negotiations of the Lithuania to enter the I.F.B.B. federation separately from the „U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Federation“ («Федерация культуризма С.С.С.Р.»). Then the process was led by DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS. The second one was big wish of the „U.S.S.R. Ministry of Sport“ («Министерство спорта С.С.С.Р.») not to alow Lithuania to enter the I.F.B.B.. This was the reason that together with the 1990 „Amber Prix International“ the „U.S.S.R. Junior Bodybuilding Championship“ («Чемпионат С.С.С.Р. по культуризму среди молодёжи») was held in Klaipeda (Lithuanian Republic). At the contest participated 62 bodybuilders of the National Teams of the folowing countries: R.S.F.S.R., Ukraine SSR, belorussian SSR, Latvian SSR, Lithuanian SSR, Estonian SSR, Kazachstan SSR, Georgian SSR. The Category Winners were: Juniors - SLIVKO SERGEJ (Сливко Сергей, Ukraine SSR), JAKOVLEV PAVEL (Яковлев Павел, R.S.F.S.R.), SOLODKOV KIRIL (Солодков Кирилл, R.S.F.S.R.), KABANOVSKIJ DENIS (Кабановский Денис, R.S.F.S.R.), GAVRILOVIC SERGEJ (Гаврилович Сергей, Belorussian SSR). Over All Junior Champion was proclamed KIRIL SOLODKOV. Winners of the Men Categories were: GORELIK EUGENE (Горелик Евгений, Lithuanian Republic), BARTKEVICIUS ARVYDAS (Lithuanian Republic), ZUR OLEG (Жур Олег, Lithuanian Republic), REPSYS EDMUNDAS (Lithuanian Republic), KAZAKEVICIUS REMIGIJUS (Lithuanian Republic). Over All Winner was OLEG ZUR. First time in the history of the „Amber Prix International“ women bodybuilders participated at the contest. Category Winners were: JEGOROVA ANNA (Егорова Анна, Lithuanian Republic), MURNIKOVIENE NATALIA (Мурниковене Духович Наталия, Duchovic, Lithuanian Republic). Title of the Over All Winner went to NATALIA MURNIKOVIENE. Full Article on Global Site www.wff.lt )
1990 U.S.S.R. ECONOMIC BLOCKADE TO LITHUANIA.
D.D.R. BODYBUILDERS WANT TO RUIN BLOCKADE.
Socialist Republic of Lithuania was a part of the U.S.S.R. for several decades. On March 11, 1990 Lithuanian Republic restored it‘s independance. In April, 1990 the U.S.S.R. started economic blockade to young Lithuanian Republic. The blockade lasted 75 days. Most goods could not reach the Country. Especially gasoline and oil products.
Communicating with representatives of various countries DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS was explaining to them the political situation of Lithuania.
Aiming to stop the blockade bodybuilders of the D.D.R. (Deutsche Demokratische Republik, G.D.R., German Democratic Republic, Г.Д.Р., Германская Демократическая Республика) sent DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS a number of telegrammes and offered help for the Lithuanian Republic. DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS connected with the Government of the republic Lithuania and spoke with the Prime Minister KAZIMIERA PRUNSKIENE. The Prime Minister said „lithuania needs no help. We will manage to solve the problem ourselves“.
1990. U.S.S.R. BODYBUILDERS VISITED USA.
In 1990 the U.S.S.R. bodybuilders visited USA. A number of theatric show competitions were organized for them. The event was paid by BILLY PAX. At the same days of the visit the 1990 I.F.B.B. „Miss Olympia“ was held in New York. DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS met the representatives of the U.S.S.R. at one of Manhattan‘s hotels. That were R.S.F.R.S. athletes VELIKOIVANENKO BORIS (Борис Великоиваненко), FATEJEV GRIGORIJ (Григорий Фатеев), JASINOVSKI NIKOLAJ (Николай Ясиновский), IVANIUK ALEKSANDR (Александр Иванюк), bodybuilder of the Lithuanian Republic GORELIK EUGENE (Евгений Горелик), sportsmen of the Belorussian SSR SKARUB VLADIMIR (Владимир Шкарубо), ALEKSANDROVIC VLADIMIR (Владимир Александрович), BOGDANOVIC VALERIJ (Валерий Богданович), GRISANOV NIKOLAJ (Николай Гришанов) and bodybuilders of the Estonian SSR UIT INA (Инна Уйт), PAAVO AIN (Айн Пааво).
1990 SOCIALIST INTERNATIONAL CONTESTS.
There were comparitivelly many bodybuilding contests in the Socialist countries in 1990. As the end of the USSR and the Socualist system was closer most bodybuilders lived in their dreames and tried to reach the „Western“ competitions. They could do it only being among the National Team of the USSR. As they were not among the national teams that was the reason that most bodybuilders had to participate at the International Contests in the Socialist countries. In 1990 bodybuilders of Klaipeda bodybuilding federation participated at the competitions in Oradea (Romanian SSR), berlin („Berliner Bar“, GDR, German Democratic republic), Marjanke Lazne and Ruzomberok (Czechoslovakian SSR, „Sandow“, „Trener“, „Diana“).
1990. MAGAZINES OF DSC. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS SPREAD THROUGH THE WORLD.
Bodybuilding was popular sport then. Athletes needed methodical knowlidge. Since DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS started his bodybuilding way in 1969 he translated articles from books ang magazines. The books were a seldom happening as the „Iron Wal“ did not alow it. This way the first magazine „Arnold Schwarzenegger Recommends“ („Arnoldas Švarcenegeris rekomenduoja“ «Арнольд Шварценеггер рекомендует») was printed and spread in 2 000 000 issues. Several decades it was the „ABC“ for several generations. This kind of popularity has no other bodybuilding magazine in the World. After „Arnold Schwarzenegger Recommends“ other magazines were printed and successfully distrubuted: „Training Programmes of World‘s Best Bodybuilders“ («Системы упражнений лучших культуристов мира», „Geriausių pasaulio kultūristų pratimų sistemos“), „Bodybuilder“ («Культурист», „Kultūristas“), „Bodybuilding Stars Recommends“ („Kultūrizmo žvaigždės rekomenduoja“, «Звёзды культуризма рекомендуют») and other magazines. Totaly 37 magazines.
Best and short words abou the magazines of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS were said by a famous Russian bodybuilder VALERIJ LOKTIONOV: „then the only one source of bodybuilding materials were magazines from Klaipeda (Lithuanian SSR) and I did my best to get them. That was really the GOLD TIME OF BODYBUILDING“. All bodybuilders used to copy the sport movement in Baltic countries.
(„Когда-то единственным источником для меня было ,,Советский спорт,, и ,,Спортивная жизнь России,,. А еще тогда все ровнялись на Прибалтику. Тогда это было С.С.С.Р. (Федерация культуризма при Комитете физической культуры и спорта г. Клайпеды, Литовская Республика 1991 г.) и я навыписывал оттуда кучу брошур - , «Современный культуризм,», , «Система упражнений лучших культуристов мира,», ,»Увеличение мышечной массы в культуризме,», , «Звезды культуризма рекомендуют,», ,»Арнольд Шварценнегер рекомендует». Золотое время!“).
More detailed information in various languages on International Page www.wff.lt
RE: "GEORG TENNO MEMORIALS" (1971 - 2025) - Secretary_International - 12-20-2025
OFFICIAL AND NOT OFFICIAL CZECHOSLOVAKIA.
MEETINGS AT SPORT MINISTRY.
BEGINNING. SITUATION IN SOCIALIST WORLD.
Bodybuilding sport has never been created and developed by athletes. Bodybuilding was developed by top officials and organizers. On the bodybuilding way to future organizers were building the road to sport. Bodybuilders were like kilometre signs at this road. Often organizers led bodybuilding wrong way. Today problems of bodybuilding are evident and guilty persons are known very well.
Contemporary bodybuilding does not appear as it is. Only few persons dared to act when bodybuilding was prohibited in Socialist Countries. Being afraid of prosecution nearly all bodybuilders left the sport.
We will speak about bodybuilding in Czechoslovakian SSR – they influenced all Socialist Countries. Now after fifty years we look upon our relations with Czechoslovaks from another angle.
Due to political reasons bodybuilding was prohibited in Socialist World in 1973. Socialist States started to prosecute bodybuilders. After 1968 revolution in Czechoslovakia their Government was lojal to bodybuilders. At the same time bodybuilders in other Socialist Countries suffered much. Everybody envied the Czechoslovaks. There is no another person who was and still is close to Czechoslovak bodybuilding so much as DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS.
Activities of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS were supported only by the leader of bodybuilding in Estonian SSR INNAR MARDO (Иннар Мардо, 1945 – 2002) and creators of famous „Vilnius Bodybuilding School“ («Вильнюсская школа культуризма») CESLAV TAMULEVIC (Чеслав Тамулевич) and VITALIJ ASOVSKIJ (Виталий Асовский). Today we are proud that we respected both of them in time – at the Parliament Republic Lithuania both received „International Honour Silver Medals“ («Международной Серебрянной Медалью Почёта», „Tarptautinis Garbės Sidabro Medalis“).
During the prohibition of bodybuilding only few officially permitted not regular contests were held in Tallinn (Estonian SSR). That was the International „Georg Tenno Memorial“ („Georgo Tenno memorialas“, «Мемориал Георга Тенно», 1971 – 2024). Also at the same time several underground and not officially permitted contests were organized in Lithuanian SSR. It lasted until in 1978 DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS dared to write bodybuilding defending petition and brought it to Headquaretrs of the Central Committee of the U.S.S.R. Communist Party in Moscow.
This way we got political permittion to organize the International „Amber Prix“ („Gintarinis prizas“, «Янтарный приз» 1968 - 2025) in Klaipeda (Lithuania SSR) in 1978.
Being afraid of prosecution all orther U.S.S.R. bodybuilding organizers did nothing. After defeat at 1974 „Georg Tenno Memorial“ best R.S.F.S.R. bodybuilder VLADIMIR DUBININ (Владимир Дубинин) isolated himself and left bodybuilding for thirteen years. Until 1987 VLADIMIR DUBININ was not among bodybuilding organizers, he was only athlete. Only in 1980 representing their gyms Russians led by VLADIMIR SUBOV (Владимир Шубов, Moscow) and EUGENE KOLTUN (Евгений Колтун, Tiumen) started particiapting at bodybuilding contests in Baltic Countries. Both were representing their bodybuilding gyms that were acting illegally.
The Article will be continued. Follow International Page www.wff.lt
FACEBOOK does not allow long texts. Get full Information on the same site www.wff.lt
RE: "GEORG TENNO MEMORIALS" (1971 - 2025) - Edita Sendriene - 12-24-2025
WORLD BODYBUILDING ENCYCLOPEDIA.
1988 SOCIALIST BODYBUILDING NEWS.
Bodybuilding in Socialist countries faced new horisons when in 1987 was created the „U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Federation“ («Федерация культуизма С.С.С.Р.»). The prohibition and the prosecution of bodybuilding ended. Socialist Republics started organizing many bodybuilding competitions. U.S.S.R. bodybuilders were invited to contests of various countries.
No doubt – in 1988 the most important bodybuilding contest was the first official „U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Cup“ («Кубок С.С.С.Р. по культуризму»). It was recognized and supported by the „U.S.S.R. Ministry of Sport“ («Министерство спорта С.С.С.Р.»). 69 bodybuilders representing 13 Socialist Republics took part at the event. The competition was held in the still today prestigious Leningrad Palace „Oktiabrskij“ (дворец „Октябрьский», Ленинград). The Category Winners were: STANISLAV POLIAKOV (Станислав Поляков, Riga, Latvian SSR, trainer FELIKS SAJKOVSKJ, Феликс Сайковский); VALERIJ BOGDANOVIC (Валерий Богданович, Minsk, Belorussian SSR, no trainer); SAULIUS MISEVICIUS (Kaunas, Lithuanian SSR, no trainer); VIKTORAS JUCYS (Klaipeda, Lithuanian SSR, trainer DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS). The title of the Over All Winner went to VIKTORAS JUCYS. Since that time he holds the title „Mister Absoliutus S.S.S.R.“ («Мистер Абсолютус С.С.С.Р.»). His trainer DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS was awarded with the Special Diploma of the „U.S.S.R. Ministry of Sport“. All Category Winners received the degrees of the “U.S.S.R. Sport Master” («Мастер спорта С.С.С.Р.»).
The I.F.B.B. (International Federation of Body Builders) President BEN WEIDER was present at the contest. He spoke very positivelly about VIKTORAS JUCYS then. BEN WEIDER invited all Category Winners to the 1988 I.F.B.B. World Championships in Australia. The special conference was organized fro BEN WEIDER to communicate with the U.S.S.R. bodybuilders. On the top of the stage sat BEN WEIDER and DSc. EEDMUNDAS DAUBARAS, as he was the only one among the U.S.S.R. bodybuilders and officials to know foreign languages. Bodybuilders asked questions and DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS translated them. Finally when questions ended the conference looked as a dialoque only of BEN WEIDER and DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS.
Some words on the topic. During the last years appeared „new International federations“ which cheat bodybuilders and lie to them. These „federations“ have no value to the official sport of bodybuilding. They are not recognized by any International Organization. In all the World only Governments of former Socialist and Asia Countries use to support and finance National Federations of I.F.B.B.. Earlier this was because of the I.F.B.B. membership in the G.A.I.S.F. (“General Association of International Sports Federations”). Now it is because of I.F.B.B. being a W.A.D.A. (“World Anti – Doping Agency”) member. Due to the efforts of American BOB HOFFMAN since 1947 until 1969 World‘s bodybuilding was rulled by F.I.H.C. (F.I.H., Federation Internationale Halterophile). Then bodybuilding was an officially recognized and respected sport as the F.I.H.C. was a member of the I.O.C. (International Olympic Committee). BOB HOFFMAN seeked bodybuilding to be an Olympic sport. In 1970 F.I.H.C. Secretary OSCAR STATE and WEIDER brothers BEN and JOE created the I.F.B.B. federation in Belgrade (Yugoslavia). In 1971 I.F.B.B. became a member of the G.A.I.S.F.. When I.O.C. refused to support the I.F.B.B. in 1998, WEIDER brothers sold the I.F.B.B. federation and magazines. Contemporary I.F.B.B. President RAFAEL SANTONJA ruined I.F.B.B. officiality after this I.F.B.B. two times was split. In 2022 W.A.D.A. refused to work with I.F.B.B. any longer. This is I.F.B.B.. If we speak about other “federations” we can see only humor and nothing more…
In 1988 the first „U.S.S.R. Junior Bodybuilding Championship“ («Чемпионат С.С.С.Р. среди юниоров») was organized in Charkov (Ukrainian SSR). Bodybuilders of 8 Socialist Republics took part at the event. At the same time the Committee of the „U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Federation“ had a meeting in Charkov too. U.S.S.R. bodybuilders got rid of the decades lasting influence of the U.S.S.R. weightlifters. The President of the „U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Federation“ Olympic Champion JURIJ VLASOV (Юрий Власов) informed that he was leaving the federation. At the same time Secretary of the federation VALERIJ TAMARLAKOV (Валерий Тамарлаков) was thrown out as nobody of bodybuilders trusted him. The new President of the „U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Federation“ became VASILIJ CAIKOVSKIJ (Василий Чайковский). Confrontation between JURIJ VLASOV and Leningrad bodybuilding officials started in 1987. As the long lasting Chairman of the National Bodybuilding Federation of the Estonian SSR INNAR MARDO Иннар Мардо, 1946 – 2002 m.) wrote to DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS – JURIJ VLASOV wanted to organize a great International bodybuilding contest in Moscow in 1987. The venue, the medals and posters were printed, bodybuilders were invited and the U.S.S.R. Central Television agreed to meke a report of the competition. But Leningrad officials VLADIMIR DUBININ and VASILIJ CAIKOVSKIJ were against the contest in Moscow. Supported by the Deputy Chairman of the „U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Federation“ ROMANAS KALINAUSKAS they organized the 1987 „White Nights“ («Белые ночи») in Leningrad. This smashed the plans of JURIJ VLASOV. He was deeply offended.
In 1988 an International Contest of women bodybuilders was organized. The Category Winners were representatives of the Lithuanian SSR: NATALIJA DUCHOVIC (Murnikoviene, Наталия Духович), AUSRA SALOMSKAITE, INGA MISEVIČIENE.
In 1988 the I.F.B.B. World Championship was held in Australia. The U.S.S.R. bodybuilders participated at such level the first time. In Australia the „U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Federation“ became a member of the I.F.B.B.. All Winners of the „U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Cup“ were included to the team. Among them two representatives of the Lithuanian SSR – VIKTORAS JUCYS and SAULIUS MISEVICIUS. They trained in Moscow. Thgether with bodybuilders the delegation of the U.S.S.R. officials went to Australia too. The Deputy Chairman of the „U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Federation“ ROMANAS KALINAUSKAS learned that he was not included to the delegation to Australia. ROMANAS KALINAUSKAS was responsible for passports and visas for the bodybuilders of the Lithuanian SSR. Being angry he kept the passports with him and bodybuilders could not fly to Australia. They were left in Moscow... Having no Lithuanians on board the U.S.S.R. team was of STANISLAV POLIAKOV, VALERIJ BOGDANOVIC, ALEKSANDR VASIN (Александр Васин). The U.S.S.R. bodybuilders did not place high at the World Championshgip then.
The old tradition of the „Amber Prix International“ («Янтарный приз», „Gintarinis prizas“, 1968 – 2025) did not stop. Chairmen of the „U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Federation“ spoke that there is no more need of the „Amber Prix International“ as the U.S.S.R. was participating at the I.F.B.B. World and Europe Championships and it had the „U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Championship“ as well. At the 1988 „Amber Prix International“ participated 112 bodybuilders that represented 9 Socialist Republics. By gradation „Amber Prix International“ was at the second place after the „U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Championship“ in the U.S.S.R.. The Category Winners in 1988 were: Juniors - VIRGINIJUS TVARIONAS, ROBERTAS BALINSKAS (both Lithuanian SSR), ANDREJ VOJTOVIC (Андрей Войтович, Belorussian SSR), BORIS VELIKOIVANENKO (Борис Великоиваненко, R.S.F.S.R.) and main Categories – NIKOLAJ MALYSEV (Николай Малышев, R.S.F.S.R.), ZIGMAS PRELGAUSKAS, SAULIUS MISEVICIUS, VIKTORAS JUCYS (all Lithuanian SSR). The Over All Winners were BORIS VELIKOIVANENKO and VIKTORAS JUCYS.
To celebrate 70 years of Comsomol City Kaunas (Lithuanian SSR) organized traditional „Comsomol Cup“ («Кубок комсомола», „Komjaunimo taure“). Comsomol Committee of Kaunas helped to invite the bodybuilders from Czechoslovakian SSR (C.S.S.R.) and D.D.R. (German Democratic Republic). The Category Winners were VLADAS KAPCEVICIUS and RAIMUNDAS IVANAISKAS (both Lithuanian SSR). At the same time the „Over All Winner‘s Cup“ («Кубок абсолютных чемпионов») was held too. The Over All Winner was ALEKSANDR TARASEVIC (Александр Тарасевич, R.S.F.S.R.).
In 1988 West German bodybuilders participated at the International Contest in Riga (Latvian SSR). This was the first time when after the “Iron Wall” period the “West” sportsmen came to the U.S.S.R.. Germans and Latvians were the first in bodybuilding to break the “Iron Wall” which was between the Socialist and the “West” Worlds. Athletes from Estonian SSR, West Germany, Ukrainian SSR, Lithuanian SSR and Latvian SSR took part in the Riga event. The best among the Germans was the Senior Europe Champion HEINZ HORLING and the best among the U.S.S.R. bodybuilders was Latvian STANISLAV POLIAKOV.
In 1988 a number of International bodybuilding Contests were held in the C.S.S.R. and D.D.R.. Having written confirmation of the „Ministry Soport of the Lithuanian SSR“ («Комитет физкультуры и спорта Литовской ССР») the National Team to „Sandow“ and „Trener“ contests was led by DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS and ARUNAS PETRAITIS.
Category Winners at the1988 „Sandow“ competition were: women bodybuilding –LUX SYBILLA (G.D.R., German Democratic Republic), SUKUPOVA EVA (C.S.S.R.) and Men Categories: BOAR PETER (C.S.S.R.), FARKAL ZDENEK (C.S.S.R.), TURTURO JOZEF (G.D.R.) and VRABEL ROMAN (C.S.S.R.).
Category Winners at the „Trener“ contest were representatives of the Czechoslovakian SSR ROMAN VRABEL, PAVOL JABLONICKY, JIRI MRACEK and ROLANDAS BUCINSKAS (Lithuanian SSR). The Over All Winner was PAVOL JABLONICKY.
In 1988 at not so great contests of Czechoslovakian SSR „Stribro Cup“ Category Winner were U.S.S.R. bodybuilders ZIGMAS PRALGAUSKAS and at „Tatra Cup“ ALGIRDAS IVANAUSKAS.
U.S.S.R. bodybuilders took part at the „Berliner Baren Pokal“ International Contest in East Berlin (G.D.R.). the U.S.S.R. Officials were DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS and ALTAF GELEJEV (). All Category Winners were from G.D.R.: women bodybuilding - KLARA JUHUSZ and in Men Categories – BURKLAF SCHEIBE, PETER CIMMERMANN, MARTIN UNLMANN, FRANK HEINEMANN.
FULL ARTICLE and detailed information is on Global Page www.wff.lt
RE: "GEORG TENNO MEMORIALS" (1971 - 2025) - Edita Sendriene - 01-11-2026
„WORLD BODYBUILDING ENCYCLOPEDIA“.
1987. SOCIALIST BODYBUILDING NEWS.
The most important happening 1987 in the Socialist World was the creation of the official recognized by the „U.S.S.R. Ministry of Sport“ («Министерство спорта С.С.С.Р.», «Госкомспорт С.С.С.Р.») the „U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Federation“ («Федерация культуризма С.С.С.Р.»). The prohibition of bodybuilding ended. Earlier after the 1986 „Amber Prix International“ („Gintarinis prizas“, «Янтарный приз», 1968 – 2025) several people gathered at the apartments of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS in Klaipeda (Lithuanian SSR) and set the plan to establish the new „U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Federation“. Detailed information about this in various languages is published in International Site www.www.lt .
On August 11, 1987 active U.S.S.R. bodybuilders, trainers and organized gathered in Kubenka (Кубенка, Moscow Region, R.S.F.S.R.). Under the proposal of the „U.S.S.R. Weightlifting Federation“ («Федерация тяжёлой атлетики С.С.С.Р.») a well known R.S.F.S.R. weightlifter Olympic Champion JURIJ VLASOV (Юрий Власов) was elected the be the Chairman of the new federation. His deputies were VASILIJ CAIKOVSKIJ (Василий Чайковский, Leningrad, R.S.F.S.R.) and ROMANAS KALINAUSKAS. The Secretary was a representative of the „U.S.S.R. Ministry of Sport“ VALERIJ TAMARLAKOV (Валерий Тамарлаков). Detailed information about this in various languages is published in International Site www.www.lt .
In 1987 „Amber Prix International“ last time served as the „Unofficial U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Championship“ („неофициальный чемпионат С.С.С.Р. по культуризму“). It lasted since 1978. It became possible when in 1978 DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS wrote bodybuilding defending petition. Then he brought it to the highest U.S.S.R. political institutions in Moscow including the „Central Committee of the U.S.S.R. Communist Party («Центральный Комитет Коммунистической партии С.С.С.Р.»). Representing the „U.S.S.R. Ministry of Sport“ VALERIJ TAMARLAKOV was present at the 1987 „Amber Prix International“ in Klaipeda. At this competition Category Winners were: Juniors - ALEKSANDR CERKASOV (Александр Черкасов, R.S.F.S.R.), OLEG ZUR (Олег Жур, Lithuanian SSR), BORIS VELIKOIVANENKO (Борис Великоиваненко, R.S.F.S.R.) and the winners of the Main Categories were - VLADIMIR ALEKSANDROVIC (Владимир Александрович, Belorussian SSR), VALERIJ BOGDNOVIC (Валерий Богданович, Belorussian SSR), VIKTORRAS JUCYS, SAULIUS MISEVICIUS (both Lithuanian SSR). The Over All Winners were OLEG ZUR and VIKTORAS JUCYS.
By ranking the second Socialist bodybuilding competition was the „White Nights“ («Белые ночи») contest in Leningrad (R.S.F.S.R.). The Category Winners were: Juniors - GINTARAS KRISCIUNAS (Lithuanian SSR), ALEKSANDR CERKASOV, GOL GRIGORIJ (Григорий Гол, Ukrainian SSR). Winners of the Main Categories were: NIKOLAJ MALYSEV (Николай Малышев, R.S.F.S.R.), PAVEL KOSENKO (Павел Косенко, Estonian SSR), BORIS RAJEV (Борис Раев, R.S.F.S.R.), VIKTORAS JUCYS. The Over All winners were ALEKSANDR CERKASOV and VIKTORAS JUCYS.
Traditional „Comsomol Cup“ («Кубок комсомола», „Komjaunimo taure“) was held in Kaunas (Lithuanian SSR). Category Winners were: STANISLAV POLIAKOV (Станислав Поляков, Latvian SSR), PAVEL KOSENKO, BORIS RAJEV, ALEKSANDR VASIN (Александр Васин, R.S.F.S.R.). The Over All winner was ALEKSANDR VASIN.
Also in Kaunas first International women contest was organized in 1987. The Over All Winner was MERIKE MADAR (Estonian SSR).
In Leningrad first Couples competition was held too. The Over All Winners were INGA MISEVICIENE and SAULIUS MISEVICIUS (Lithuanian SSR).
In Riga (Latvian SSR) was organized the „Over All Winner‘s Cup“ («Кубок абсолютных победителей»). The Over All Winner was VINCAS DUBICKAS (Lithuanian SSR).
Also in Liepaja (Latvian SSR) an International Contest was organized too. The Over All Winners were representatives of the Lithuanian SSR: EDUARDAS RUDYS (Juniors) and VIKTORAS JUCYS (Main Categories).
In Kedainiai (Lithuanian SSR) the National Championship of the Lithuanian SSR was held. It still was of two parts – power exercises and posing.
In 1986 leader of bodybuilding in the Estonian SSR INNAR MARDO (Иннар Мардо, 1976 – 2002) left sport. In 1987 for three months DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS was sent for studies to Tallinn (Estonian SSR). Communicating with local bodybuilders he learned that nobody is going to organize the traditional „Georg Tenno Memorial“ («Мемориал Георга Тенно», 1971 - 2024) Contest. Then DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS decided to organize this Contest himself. A famous bodybuilder of the Estonian SSR INDREK OTSUS helped with local technical matters and DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS collected U.S.S.R. bodybuilders. The Category Winners were: Juniors - TOM PAUL (Estonian SSR), ALEKSANDR JEMELJANENKOV (Estonian SSR). Main Categories: NYMM IMRE (Estonian SSR), PAVEL KOSENKO, AIN PAAVO (Estonian SSR), RIMANTAS MAZIONIS (Lithuanian SSR). The Over All Winner was PAVEL KOSENKO.
Presenting bodybuilding sport in 1987 DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS organized huge public seminar in Klaipeda. It lasted for two days. The Palace of Culture of the Klaipeda Trading Sea Port was full of people. The audience was collected through addresses in the local newspapers. Bodybuilders made a show and DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS answered to the questions of the Citizen.
In 1987 „Sandow“ and „Trener“ competitions were held in the Czechoslovakian SSR. The Over All Winner at „Sandow“ Contest was PAVOL JABLONICKY (Czechoslovakian SSR). The Category Winners at the „Trener“ Contest were: ANTON SARAJ, JAN KUS (both Czechoslovakian SSR), SAULIUS MISEVICIUS and PETER MOLNAR (Hungarian SSR). The Over All Winner of the „Trener“ Contest was JAN KUS.
INFORMATION.
More detailed information on the Global International Site www.wff.lt, see forum topics.