Dear Friends:

Welcome! My first trip to China was in 1952 during the height of the Cold War. The purpose of this visit was to spread the word on the positive benefits of bodybuilding and health and fitness. The Chinese authorities allowed me access to travel freely around the country; a privilege not usually given to a Westerner.

In 1954, the former Sport Director for China, Mr. Chen Lien Hua, invited me to Beijing to give lectures at the Chinese Institute of Physical Education and Sport at Beijing University. Through my lectures, I introduced the Weider Training Principles, which I am proud to say, are still being used by athletes worldwide.

The IFBB organized its first contest in Beijing over 25 years ago. I have traveled to China numerous times to promote bodybuilding and to give lectures about modern training methods and how to combat the use of drugs in sport. In 1994, Shanghai was the proud host of the IFBB Men's World Amateur Bodybuilding Championships.

This year, the Organizing Committee of the Chinese Bodybuilding Association (CBBA), the Shanghai Bodybuilding Association, and the Shanghai Sports Development & Service Center are the proud hosts of the 59th IFBB Men's World Amateur Bodybuilding Championships and IFBB International Congress in the great city of Shanghai, People’s Republic of China.

Since the formation of the IFBB in 1946, strict guidelines from our Constitution and Code of Ethics have helped prevent numerous internal problems. There is unity within the 174 affiliated National Federations associated with the IFBB and these guidelines ensure that we continue to be one of the most efficient and friendly international sport federations in the world.

At that time, problems existed between communist and capitalist nations. There were conflicts between the black nations and the white nations. There were disagreements between the Israelis and the Arab nations. However, strict adherence to IFBB guidelines has created friendships and understanding amongst our members which have enabled IFBB competitions to enjoy international success right from the beginning.

I have recently noticed that the ugly head of hatred has awakened a little amongst a few delegates. Negative comments and feelings are not productive to our federation and I sincerely hope that this will stop right now. The vast diversity of the IFBB is something to learn from and be proud of. Our diversity has been a powerful tool as we have grown into one of the most effective federations in the world.

The United Nations was formed to solve political conflicts and sport federations exist to look after sports related concerns. By not allowing the two to mix, it made our federation strong. The former President of the International Olympic Committee, the Marques Juan Antonio Samaranch, said that he admired the IFBB and what it stood for. He considered the IFBB to be one of the best-organized, Olympic or non-Olympic, international sport federations in the world.

In a letter, Samaranch wrote the following to me:

"I would also like to congratulate and tell you that I appreciate your comments when you say that: 'In sport, there are no limitations, no barriers of race, religion, politics or culture.'"

Of all people, the former President of the IOC would know the importance of not allowing politics, or racial or religious problems to surface in a federation such as the IFBB.

One of my greatest contributions to the sport of bodybuilding is the inclusion in the IFBB Constitution of the following two paragraphs:

“The IFBB forbids its membership from engaging in any racial, political or religious discussion, demonstration or act that may result, whether directly or indirectly, in the fostering of bias or prejudice between any of its members.”

and

“The IFBB does not distinguish or discriminate between individuals or countries for reasons of race, color, religion or politics.”

It is my sincere desire that the members of the IFBB will continue to respect this very important part of our Constitution. As one family, we should respect the various opinions of the group, treat each other with dignity and respect, and avoid ill-will at all cost.

In this report, I wish to express my thanks for the co-operation and dedication that Rafael Santonja, my Executive Assistant, has contributed this year to the continuous growth of the IFBB.

I have known Rafael for over 35 years and, as my Executive Assistant and sincere friend, whenever there was a problem, big or small, Rafael would solve it. A true sports ambassador, Rafael was never too busy to travel anywhere in the world when I requested it and he expertly lobbied with officials of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on behalf of the IFBB. Rafael’s direct involvement made lasting impressions on members of various international sport federations and just as importantly, he played a key role in forming many long lasting friendships.

Another key member of the IFBB Executive Council I wish to recognize is my dear friend, the IFBB Vice President for Asia, and Secretary-General, Asian Bodybuilding Federation (ABBF), Datuk Paul Chua. Paul has been a prominent member of the IFBB family for over 30 years. Thanks to Paul’s enthusiasm and motivation for our sport, its popularity has greatly increased and it is now an official medal sport in the South East Asia Games and in the Asian Games. The IOC recognizes these Games and it is a significant achievement for bodybuilding to participate in these Games.

I also wish to thank the following members of the IFBB Executive Council. Each member has made a significant and long lasting contribution in their area of responsibility:

Thanks to the tremendous efforts and dedication of the following officials, bodybuilding has experienced a tremendous amount of growth in China :

On behalf of the IFBB, I sincerely thank them for all their hard work.

I would also like to thank and recognize the following organizations:

The Chinese Leisure Sports Administration Center in Beijing
The Shanghai Administration of Sports
The Shanghai Sports Federation

I would like to take a moment to mention Professor Lou Zhuo Yu of Shanghai who peacefully passed away on February 8, 2005.

I first met Lou Zhuo Yu over 50 years ago and on every trip that I made to China; Lou Zhuo Yu made himself available to travel with me. He was a great leader, promoter, and an individual who loved bodybuilding and enjoyed living a healthy lifestyle.

Professor Lou Zhuo Yu dedicated his entire life to the promotion of bodybuilding and teaching the wonderful benefits of a physically active lifestyle to people throughout China.

In closing, I wish to express a special “thank you” to my brother Joe Weider whose generous support over the years has considerably strengthened the sport and the IFBB by increasing our exposure throughout the world in magazines such as FLEX and Muscle & Fitness.

I extend my sincere thanks to the Organizing Committee of the 59th IFBB Men’s World Amateur Bodybuilding Championships and IFBB International Congress and, in particular, to Mr. Liu Guangchun, President of the Chinese Bodybuilding Association (CBBA), and to Ms. Wang Ruixa, General-Secretary of the CBBA, for their professionalism in organizing and hosting our sport’s premiere amateur Championships in Shanghai, China.

I am convinced that from these World Championships and International Congress, athletes, delegates, supporters and fans will return home with fond memories and lasting friendships.

Wishing you well, I remain,

Sincerely yours,

Ben Weider, CM, CQ, SBStJ, PhD
IFBB President