Cairo, capital of Egypt, is the largest city in the Middle East and Africa and lies at the center of all routes leading to and from the three continents: Asia, Africa and Europe.

Cairo is a city where past and present meet. On its east side stands the evidence of 2000 years of Islamic, Christian Coptic, and Jewish culture that is still flourishing to this day. On its west side lies the Ancient Egyptian city of Memphis (Giza), the renowned capital of the Old Kingdom and the site of the Pyramids, the only wonder surviving of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World. Indeed, it is often said that "a journey through Cairo is a journey through time ... a journey through the history of an immortal civilization".

It is to Egypt, "Land of the Pharoahs", and to Cairo, "City of the Thousand Minarets", that hundreds of athletes, delegates, officials and supporters from 68 countries traveled to celebrate the IFBB's premiere amateur bodybuilding event - the 56th Men's World Amateur Bodybuilding Championships!

Under the kind patronage of His Excellency, Mr. Mohamed Hosni Mubarak, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, and with the generous support of Dr. Ali El-Din Hillal Dessouki, Minister of Youth and Sport, the entire event was a tremendous success.

The Egyptian Organizing Committee, led by Dr. Eng. Adel Fahim El Sayed, President of the Egyptian BodyBuilding Federation and IFBB Vice President for Africa, rose to the monumental task of organizing and hosting the Championships and International Congress, which involved several years of planning and coordination.

From the VIP treatment on arrival at the Cairo International Airport; to the accommodations and meals at the officials hotels; to the sightseeing tour of the Pyramids and Sphinx; to the Farewell Banquet - everything was capably arranged under the gracious hospitality of our hosts, resulting in a memorable experience for all participants.

The Prejudging and Finals, which were held at the Cairo International Stadium, saw a crowd of 5,000 bodybuilding fans loudly welcome the countries, delegates and competitors to the stage, particularly their own homegrown heroes, like 5-time World Champion El Shahat Mabrouk.

After the Finals, a highlight of the entire week's activities was the Farewell Banquet at the foot of the Pyramids, with a huge air-conditioned tent, belly-dancers, camels and Arabian horses, and food aplenty; a fitting end to an unforgettable experience.

We say "farewell" to Cairo and to our gracious hosts - the people of Egypt, and look forward to once again meeting in the spirit of friendship and cooperation, in Mumbai, India, for the 57th 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 & IFBB International President

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