Home Talk Live Lori Contests Nutrition Homegrown Training Galleries Muscle Scoop Die Welt About Us		The European Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (EBFF) By Rob Wilkins Special Assistant to the IFBB Due to the enormous popularity and growth of bodybuilding in Europe, Ben Weider, President, International Federation of Bodybuilders (IFBB) gave the approval for the initial meeting and Congress of the European Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (EBFF), which was held in Minsk, Belarus, on May 18th, 2002. Two months later, the first EBFF Executive Committee meeting was held July 27, 2002, in Prague, Czech Republic. The EBFF, a continental affiliate of the IFBB, categorized the meeting as a historic development for the sport of bodybuilding and fitness in Europe. The EBFF unites 47 European national affiliates of the IFBB under one continental federation whose primary goal is to advance the growth and development of bodybuilding and fitness throughout Europe. Selected as the first president of the EFBB is Mr. Rafael Santonja, the IFBB Executive Assistant to the President and Chairman of the IFBB Judges Committee. "The creation of the EFBB is an important and significant event in the history of the IFBB," commented Ben Weider, IFBB President. "I could not think of a more capable leader to fill this vital role then Rafael. He knows how to make things happen, and he knows how to get things done, said Weider. In his opening remarks, Santonja said, "The first bodybuilding championships began in Europe during the 19th century but it was only a local activity--not a sport. Through Ben and Joe Weiders leadership and dedication, bodybuilding developed into a world-class sport." Santonja continued, "Now Europe is an integral part of the IFBB with over 70% of medals at the World Championships won by European athletes. With this success comes more responsibility and demands on our time however, I see this as a positive situation. Europe is an integral part of the world bodybuilding family and I charge the EFBB to help promote the growth of the sport and continue to follow the basic principles established by Ben and Joe Weider and look after the needs of our fans. This is the main reason the European Federation was established. The European Federation is a team of nations working together within the IFBB for the benefit of our sport." The following officials comprise the first EBFF Executive Council: HONORARY PRESIDENT Albert Busek (Germany) PRESIDENT Rafael Santonja (Spain) VICE PRESIDENTS Vladimir Dubinin (Russia) Pawel Filleborn (Poland) Eryetis Kurtaral (Turkey) GENERAL SECRETARY Penny Leventelis (Greece) EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT Stanislav Pesat (Czech Republic) FINANCIAL DIRECTOR Jose Ramos (Spain) BODYBUILDING COMMITTEE Andrey Dolgokir (Ukraine), Chairman Juliette Bergmann (Netherlands), Secretary FITNESS COMMITTEE Eva Sukupova (Czech Republic), Chairwoman Vittorio Panzeri (Italy), Secretary K.P. Ourama (Finland), Member Wanda Tierney (England), Member JUDGES COMMITTEE Erich Janner (Germany), Chairman Peter Uricek (Slovakia), Secretary Andrew Michalak (Poland), Member, Mehmet Karatop (Turkey), Member Eugene Koltun (Russia), Member TECHNICAL & EDUCATION COMMITTEE William Tierney (England), Chairman Walter Van Den Branden (Netherlands), Secretary George Katulin (Belarus), Member Ferenc Levai (Hungary), Member Vladimir Boyanov (Bulgaria), Member MEDICAL COMMISSION Prof. Dr. Friedhelm Beuker (Germany), Chairman LEGAL ADVISER Axel Bauer (Austria) DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE Igor Deliev (Ukraine), Chairman Some of the main goals of the EBFF are: -- Close cooperation with the IFBB and to follow its Constitution and rules faithfully -- Coordination of activities with National Federations -- Recognition by the European Sport Organization (Council of Europe, European Olympic Committee). -- Improve the public image of our sport and life style in Europe. -- Educational programs geared toward athletes, coaches, judges, and sport administrators. Competitions /Championships: -- Establishment of sub continental events (3 for East, Central and South Europe). -- Keep improving the level of actual European Championships. -- Coordinate efforts with IFBB for the World events to be held in Europe At the Executive meeting held in Prague, some of the specific EBFF objectives noted were: 1. Under the guidance and support of the IFBB, the development of more specific EBFF objectives. 2. The establishment of educational programs, accreditations and certificates through local seminars and/or Internet interactive learning. 3. The compliance of European National Federations with each country's sport laws. 4. The European Event Schedule - Men's Fitness trials and new European Subcontinent Championships. 5. Propositions for the IFBB International Congress in Cairo, Egypt. 6. The establishment of a Bodybuilding Academy or a Foundation for Health and Power Studies, where the philosophy of bodybuilding will be adopted not only as a sport but also, as an advanced lifestyle. 7. The establishment of an EBFF presence on the World Wide Web. One of the top priorities of the EBFF is to enhance the public image of bodybuilding Santonja said. "Some people including journalists and reporters link our great sport to drug use. Although we have already reduced drug positives tremendously, we must diligently implement and enforce our Doping Control Policy and Anti-Doping Program even more We must also establish positive, professional working relationships with the media and educate them on the positive aspects of bodybuilding. To help us achieve this goal, we will hire a public relations professional, who will assist us in the education process and promote positive news related to bodybuilding. This focus will aid us in building a solid foundation for the future, gain government recognition, Olympic recognition, social prestige and advance bodybuilding and fitness throughout Europe." "He is a dynamic, innovative person with a vision for the future. I am delighted that Rafael and his entire EBFF staff will continue to develop new ideas in order to promote and enhance the view of bodybuilding throughout Europe in a positive fashion," Weider said. For the most current and extensive news related to the IFBB and EBFF, log on to the web site at www.ifbb.com . Rob Wilkins is a Master Sergeant in the US Air Force stationed at The Pentagon, Washington, D.C. Wilkins is also a Special Assistant to the International Federation of Bodybuilders (IFBB) and a recipient of the IFBB Gold Medal. To contact Wilkins e-mail him at robifbb@yahoo.com.