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By Andrew Michalak The IFBB Electoral Congress, held in Ostrava, Czech Republic, October 29, 2006, was an extraordinary and unforgettable event in bodybuilding history. With the words "I think the time has come for me to retire.", Ben Weider, the only president the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) has ever known, announced his history-making decision to the delegates from 63 countries in attendance at the IFBB Electoral Congress. In a highly emotional address to the Congress via DVD video played on a giant screen, Ben addressed a captive audience of over 200 officials. Such was the depth of the silence that you could hear the proverbial pin drop. Ben took the opportunity to express his sincere thanks and heartfelt appreciation to his many longtime friends and colleagues. A poignant moment came when he voiced his happiness over his friendship with Malih Alaywan (Lebanon), whom he had met in 1955. Malih attended the first IFBB Congress in Belgrade,Yugoslavia in 1970 and remains to this day a valuable member of the IFBB Executive Council. Ben spoke passionately about his one guiding principle -“In sport, there are no limitations; no barriers of race, religion, politics, or culture. In sport, we are in touch with each other. Bodybuilding is important for Nation building. ” This staunch belief, coupled with his dogged persistence, tenacity, unparalled dedication and commitment, has allowed Ben to develop the IFBB from two member nations (Canada and the USA) in 1946 to 173 National Affiliates, positioning the IFBB as one of the largest international amateur sport governing bodies in the world. The focus of his farewell speech was to ask the new IFBB president and all IFBB officials to follow these values and to retain the family spirit that has always characterized the IFBB. At the end of his address, Ben recommended Dr. Rafael Santonja from Spain as his successor. Rafael has served since 1985 as IFBB Executive Assistant to the President and, in this capacity, has worked closely with Ben. Ben remarked that he didn't know a better candidate for the position of IFBB President and emphasized Rafael's diplomatic capabilities; his comprehensive knowledge of the IFBB, and his polite and patient style. After this speech, Dr. Rafael Santonja was unanimously elected to the position of IFBB President; an election that was met with applause and a standing ovation. Then, IFBB Executive Council members and delegates, one by one, congratulated Rafael on his success, declaring their full support and cooperation. Afterwards, Rafael expressed his thanks to all IFBB Executive Council members and all delegates for their full support. He declared that he will continue in the same style as Ben. He stated, “We are not a federation; we are much more than a federation; we are a team; we are a family. This is the heritage of our great President; this is the lesson from our President but, as well, this is something we have to keep forever. From the very meaningful message that President Weider gave to all off us, this phrase is much more than a phrase: 'No racal, religious, political, or cultural prejudices.' We will continue to respect each other, to cooperate with each other in a friendly atmosphere. I have had the good forture to travel with President Ben Weider to many places. I was able to see his diplomatic and other capabilities firsthand and in action. I witnessed his great strength of character and his passion for the sport and federation he so obviously loved. We will take this heritage and continue his work; growing the IFBB; making bodybuilding more popular and acceptable as a sport and lifestyle. I promise you will have my full dedication and and commitment towards these goals. And I know that I can count on your full support as we move forward into the future.” Rafael has already mentioned some great ideas, particularly in the area of media relations, live webcasts, and marketing and promotion. Rafael's first official act, which was endorsed unanimously by the IFBB Congress, was to nominate Ben Weider as Honorary Life President. Rafael then appointed Paul Chua, DSM (Singapore) as IFBB Executive Assistant to the President and affirmed the appointment of Pamela Kagan as IFBB Executive Director. Pawel Filleborn (Poland) and Axel Bauer (Austria) were elected as Chairman and Secretary respectively of the IFBB Judges Committee; Jose Ramos (Spain) was appointed as co-Treasurer. After the elections, Rafael presented his annual report, in which he summarized IFBB successes in 2005/2006 and outlined the main tasks to be implemented in the coming years ...
The IFBB Congress also accepted two important changes proposed by Executive Council:
Allocation of the main 2007 IFBB World Championships:
*Complete 2006 schedule will be posted soon.
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