2006 IFBB International Congress Report

As President of the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB), I am pleased to welcome you to the online IFBB International Congress Report.

2006 has continued the great tradition of increased growth and development of the sport of bodybuilding and fitness worldwide. At all IFBB World Amateur Championships - the Women's Worlds in Santa Susanna, Spain; the Men's Worlds in Ostrava, Czech Republic; and the Junior's & Master's Worlds in Agrigento (Sicily), Italy - our sport witnessed record numbers of competitors, delegates, supporters and countries.

But by far the biggest news in 2006 - undoubtedly the biggest news in the 60-year history of the IFBB - was the retirement from the Presidency of our beloved Founder and President, Ben Weider. For more than half a century, Ben has stood at the helm of the IFBB; charting a direct course towards remarkable growth and development; captaining one of the world's largest international sport federations with 173 member-countries. With great emotion, the Congress watched Ben's farewell address on DVD video and understood clearly that we are where we are today because of his vision, leadership, wisdom, persistence, and strong work ethics.

It has been my single-most honored privilege over these past 30 years to have worked closely with Ben as a colleague, mentor and dearest friend. I was even more privileged when he placed in me his confidence and trust as his candidate for the Presidency of the IFBB.

I was further honoured to receive the unanimous vote of support of the Executive Council and Congress. I wish to extend my heartfelt thanks and sincere appreciation to all my dear friends and colleagues for their warm show of support, which gives me inspiration and strength to lead the IFBB on a path towards continued growth and deveopment in the years ahead.

I wish to take this opportunity to congratulate all of the members of the 2006-2010 Executive Council on their successful election or appointment.

The future is full of challenges and opportunities for our sport and federation. Some examples are the increasing presence of our events on TV and in the media; our World Educational Program and Certifications for Coaches and Trainers; our relationships with universities and scientific institutions where we promote the benefits of bodybuilding as lifestyle for the younger generation and as the ideal base of anti-aging therapy; and the continuous coordination of activities within our National, Regional and Continental Federations around the world. Working together in the bonds of mutual friendship, cooperation, loyalty and respect, we preserve the legendary IFBB family spirit, which is the key to our continued success.

As my first act as the new IFBB President, nothing pleased me more than to nominate Ben as Honorary Life President. By his own words, he will remain forever part of the IFBB and always ready, willing and able to help where needed; an offer that was gladly welcomed and warmly accepted by the entire IFBB family.

63 countries from around the world came to Ostrava to participate in the annual celebration of the IFBB Men's World Amateur Bodybuilding Championships and IFBB International Congress. I wish to thank Ing. Vaclav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic, for his patronage and Ing. Ales Zednik, Mayor of the City of Ostrava, and his staff for their kind generosity and support.

A very special thanks to Stanislav Pesat, President of the Czech Bodybuilding & Fitness Federation; to the entire Organizing Committee for their superbly professional organization of the IFBB Men's World Amateur Bodybuilding Championships and IFBB International Congress and to the athletes and officials who traveled to Ostrava from all over the world to help make the Championships and Congress such a great success.

Until we assemble once again in 2007 in Jeju, South Korea, I thank you for your ongoing loyalty and support. Please enjoy this report.