INT. BODYBUILDING AND FITNESS ORGANIZATIONS

[Edita Sendriene]

INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK
A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE HISTORY OF THE “AMBER PRIX” TOURNAMENT
The sixtieth anniversary of the historic international “Amber Prix” tournament is approaching. In this publication, its history will be presented in a structured way, revealing the key stages of its development. We intend to mark this anniversary not only with ceremonial events, but also with this book.
This is not merely a story about physical strength or athletic achievements. The international “Amber Prix” tournament, born and developed in Klaipėda, is a unique phenomenon—significant for the city, for Lithuania, and for the global bodybuilding movement. In this introduction, we briefly review the main themes and highlight the most important political, sporting, and social contexts.
The origins of the tournament date back to a period of rapid civilizational change: humanity was exploring the depths of the oceans and venturing into space. In this context, bodybuilding opened up new possibilities—it allowed not only the development of strength and endurance, but also the deliberate shaping of the human body.
The first competition was held in 1967 at the Klaipėda Polytechnic school. Athletes performed strength exercises and demonstrated their physiques. The initiator and organizer of the event was Klaipėda native Antanas Jonuškutis.
Following earlier unsuccessful attempts to establish bodybuilding, the second USSR Bodybuilding Federation (Athletic Gymnastics Commission) was founded in 1968 during an international tournament in Kaunas. It was decided that the federation would hold its first meeting in Klaipėda during the “Amber Prix” tournament—this decision was duly implemented.
After the events of 1967–1968, as bodybuilding rapidly gained popularity, the “Amber Prix” competitions were also held in Klaipėda in 1969 and 1970 under the leadership of Antanas Jonuškutis. He later withdrew from active organizational work.
In 1973, for political reasons, bodybuilding was banned and persecuted in the USSR and other socialist countries. Many athletes discontinued their training, while the most determined continued in secrecy—most often in basements of private homes.
You can find more detailed information on International site www.wff.lt