INT. BODYBUILDING AND FITNESS ORGANIZATIONS

[Edita Sendriene]

WE ARE PREPARING COMMEMORATE 60-TH ANNIVERSARY OF LEGENDARY TOURNMENT.
THE “AMBER PRIX INTERNATIONAL”. The book.
The “Amber Prix” (“Amber Prix International”, «Янтарный приз», 1968–2026) tournament is a living reflection of history, recalling a time when it was an important part of the Socialist world of sport, and today it unites the global bodybuilding community.
According to long-standing sporting traditions, among international competitions the “Amber Prix” ranks third in terms of continuity and historical significance—after N.A.B.B.A. (National Amateur Body Building Association) Mr. Universe (held since 1950) and JOE WEIDER’S Mr. Olympia (held since 1965).
Over the decades, athletes from many countries who have participated in this tournament take pride in their “Amber Prix” achievements, considering them among the most significant in their sporting careers.
As the tournament approaches its 60-th anniversary, a book is being prepared and will be presented to participants and guests of the 2027 event. Preparatory work on the publication is already underway.
SIGNIFICANT EVENTS IN THE HISTORY OF “AMBER PRIX”.
In the international history of the “Amber Prize,” several particularly important moments stand out:
• The rise and the first tournaments – the initial stage during which the competition’s traditions were formed.
• 1973: the ban and persecution of bodybuilding – a difficult period for the sport.
• 1973–1978: illegal competitions organized by Dr. Edmundas Daubaras – a stage crucial for the survival of bodybuilding.
• Dr. Edmundas Daubaras’ struggle with the authorities against the ban on bodybuilding.
• Dr. Edmundas Daubaras’ petition to the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the U.S.S.R. in Moscow, defending the legitimacy of bodybuilding.
• 1989–1991: Dr. Edmundas Daubaras’ struggle for independence in Lithuanian sport, carried out in the context of the “Amber Prize.”
• 2007: the 40-th anniversary of the tournament – the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania voted to fund the event from the state budget.
• 2011: recognition by the Vatican – a high evaluation of Dr. Edmundas Daubaras’ activities during the period of the bodybuilding ban.
• 2017: the 50-th anniversary of the tournament – a report about the event was broadcast by the global CNN television network.
• Since 2010, the “Amber Prize” logo has been used in competitions in Europe, Asia and South America.
HISTORY OF THE “AMBER PRIX”. ORIGINS.
Prior to the prohibition of bodybuilding as a sport, it experienced rapid growth in popularity and widespread development. At a time when humanity was reaching outer space and exploring the depths of the oceans, bodybuilding offered a unique avenue for the transformation and enhancement of the human physique. The achievements of bodybuilders were extensively covered in the press, and competitions were frequently broadcast on television.
STRENGTH EXERCISES IN THE “AMBER PRIX”.
It is well known that from 1947 to 1969, official International bodybuilding was governed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) - recognized federation, the Fédération Internationale Haltérophile et Culturiste (F.I.H.C.). During this period, bodybuilding was closely associated with weightlifting in many countries.
In fact, the development of global bodybuilding through the F.I.H.C. federation was significantly influenced by the so-called “father of American weightlifting,” Robert Collins Hoffman (1898–1985). He was one of the most important figures in mid-20th century strength sports: he founded the “York Barbell Company”, published the magazine “Strength & Health”, and played an active role in promoting both weightlifting and bodybuilding in the United States and internationally.
At the time, the F.I.H.C. governed both weightlifting and bodybuilding. Although Hoffman was not always its formal head, his authority and organizational activity had a substantial impact on the federation’s decisions and on the overall development of these sports.
Accordingly, in the Soviet Union, bodybuilding was administered under the supervision of the weightlifting federation, and strength events were a mandatory component of competitions.
Over the more than sixty-year history of the “Amber Prize” tournament, strength exercises—alongside the physique presentation program—were included only during specific periods: 1967–1970, 1974–1976, and 1979.
More information is on International site www.wff.lt