"YANGON MYO KO KYAY ZU TIN PAR DE!" - "MYANMAR NAING NGAN KO KYAY ZU TIN PAR DE!"

Rudyard Kipling once said, "This is Burma, and it will be quite unlike any land you know about".

With over a millennium of Buddhist civilization, Myanmar (as it is now called) possesses a rich and vibrant cultural tradition. Great natural beauty combines with magnificent temple architecture and, everywhere you visit, you'll find welcoming and hospitable people.

One tourist brochure said, "At the end of the day, it is not memories of monuments or mountains that are carried home, but the warmth of the welcome and gracious hospitality of Myanmar and it's people".

Yangon, the capital city of Myanmar, has a unique charm, with it's old colonial buildings, tree-lined streets, bustling local markets, and tranquil lakes. Here you'll find famous golden pagodas that glisten amongst the trees and buildings. Indeed, Myanmar is well-known as "The Golden Land - the Land of the Pagodas".

The "crown jewel" of Yangon and Myanmar, described by Rudyard Kipling as "a beautiful, winking wonder", is the Shwedagon Pagoda, considered one of the most magnificent monuments on earth. It's stupa is plated with 8,000 solid gold slabs and it's tip is set with diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and topaz. A huge emerald in the middle of the stupa catches the first and last rays of the sun.

And imagine a lake in the midst of a bustling city. Kandawgyi, or Royal Lake, is surrounded by beautiful tranquil gardens where one can enjoy the magnificent sunsets. It is both a pleasure to take a stroll and a place to find many local restaurants.

Athletes, delegates, officials, press, and supporters from 48 countries descended upon Yangon to celebrate the IFBB's premiere amateur bodybuilding event. Upon arrival, everyone experienced their first taste of Myanmar hospitality as all were warmly greeted and enthusiastically welcomed by the Myanmar Organizing Committee (MOC). Accommodations and meals at the Official Hotels, the Renaissance Inya Lake Hotel and the Royal Yangon City Hotel, were first-class.

It is especially noteworthy to mention that the Myanmar Organizing Committee left no stone unturned in their pre-arrival administration. Embassies and consulates the world over were extremely professional and very efficient in ensuring that all visa arrangements were properly handled in a timely manner. The Organizers also ensured that all arrivals received VIP treatment at the Yangon International Airport.

The Myanmar Organizing Committee, led by Brig. Gen. Thura Aye Myint, Minister for Sports, rose to the monumental task of organizing, promoting, and hosting the 55th IFBB Men's World Amateur Bodybuilding Championships and International Congress, which involved several years of planning and coordination. From the first to the last day of these Championships, the Organizer surpassed all expectations in rendering an immensely successful event - first-class all the way!

Plenty of time was scheduled for visits throughout Yangon and the surrounding area. And plenty of photographs were taken of such famous sites as the Shwedagon Pagoda, Sule Pagoda, Royal Lake and the Royal Barge, and Inya Lake, to name a few.

For their strong commitment and dedication towards the success of these Championships, the IFBB profoundly thanks Lt. Gen. Khin Nyunt, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council and Chairman of the National Health Committee, Brig. Gen. Thura Aye Myint, Minister for Sports and Chairman of the Myanmar Organizing Committee, and U Ko Lay, Mayor of Yangon and Chairman of the Yangon City Development Committee.

A special thanks to Paul Chua, IFBB Vice President for Asia, for a lifetime of service towards the development and growth of bodybuilding and fitness throughout Asia. This event was successful due in no small part to the tireless efforts and meticulous attention to detail that is the hallmark of Paul's involvement in any endeavor.

A sincere thanks also to Col. Myint Aung, President of the Myanmar Bodybuilding Federation; to U Tin Maung Swe, Vice President-1 of the Myanmar Bodybuilding Federation; to U Hla Myint Swe, Vice President-2 of the Myanmar Bodybuilding Federation; to U Kyaw Than, Secretary-General of the Myanmar Bodybuilding Federation, and to the rest of the Myanmar Organizing Committee for hosting the best World Championships ever!

The ABBF and IFBB officials who traveled to Yangon to assist the Myanmar Organizing Committee had the highest praise for the professional manner in which the MOC leadership and staff carried out their responsiblities. At all times, the MOC was courteous, helpful, and enthusiastic - a pleasure and an honor to work with.

We say "farewell" to the beautiful and historic city of Yangon, and to our gracious hosts - the people of Myanamr, and look forward to once again meeting in the spirit of friendship and cooperation, in Cairo, Egypt, for the 56th IFBB Men's World Amateur Bodybuilding Championships and International Congress.

Until then, I wish each of you peace, good health, and much success.

Ben Weider, C.M., C.Q., SBStJ, Ph.D.
Founder & President
International Federation of BodyBuilders