IFBB President Ben Weider congratulating Lou Ferrigno (USA) on winning the Tall Class and Overall "Mr. Universe" title in Geneva, Switzerland

The following 30 countries were present:

AFFILIATION OF NEW NATIONAL FEDERATIONS

The affiliation of the following new countries was unanimously accepted:

South Africa
Senegal
Sudan
Virgin Islands
Dominican Republic
Reunion Island
Brazil
Singapore
Indonesia

THE PRESIDENT’S REPORT

The President stressed the great significance in getting the General Assembly of International Sports Federations to support the I.F.B.B.’s request for International Olympic Committee recognition. He was most optimistic for such eventual recognition and acceptance.

The Sudan, the newest I.F.B.B. Member, agreed to form a new African Federation co-ordinating and developing bodybuilding activities of that great continent.

Mr. Oscar State (center), General Secretary of the General Assembly of International Sports Federations, congratulates Mr. John Ong of Singapore after his Federation had been granted official recognition by the I.F.B.B. Mr. Ong has worked diligently with great dedication and efficiency to develop Bodybuilding in Singapore. President Ben Weider proudly looks on.

The importance of the I.F.B.B. Medical Committee was emphasized by the President, and the research it was making regarding anabolic steroids. International Sports Federations all over the world are awaiting the results of such research.

Present Weider stressed the importance of keeping world politics out of the activities of the I.F.B.B. The United Nations was formed to help solve international political problems, consequently, Sports Federations are not to be expected to solve political matters. He pointed out it is his great desire that the national I.F.B.B. Federations will not bring up any problems relating to subjects of politics, religion or race.

The President pointed out it was necessary to suspend from the Federation some National Federations for having refused to pay their affiliation fee, and for failure to live up to the I.F.B.B. Constitution. They also refused to hold elections or develop bodybuilding in their respective Country.

From correspondence with the General Secretary of the All-China Sports Federation in Peking, it was agreed that the People’s Republic of China would be granted "Observer Status". This will permit them to participate in our Congress, and obtain information on research, etc.

President Weider concluded his remarks by extending special "THANKS’ to Mr. & Mrs. Raymond Sauvet of Switzerland, and their Committee who worked tirelessly in organizing and successfully promoting the various activities which included the World Championships of 1973.

The Belgium delegation is made up as follows, from left to right: Jacques Blommaert, Julian and Georgette Blommaert. They are shown presenting to President Ben Weider a magnificent gift as a tribute to his dedication to Bodybuilding

DECISIONS OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AND CONGRESS

President Weider presented for the approval of the Congress the important decisions of the Executive Council:

Mrs. Denise Sauvet of Geneva worked for over one year in a most unselfish manner to co-ordinate the activities of the I.F.B.B. President Ben Weider honors her by presenting to her the highest award that the I.F.B.B. can bestow on worthy individuals, the Certificate of Merit of the I.F.B.B.

The following proposals from the I.F.B.B. Judging Committee were presented to the Executive Council and Congress:

The following definition of an "amateur" was approved by the Congress:

"Anybody who earns his livelihood from bodybuilding alone shall not be considered an amateur. A bodybuilder who teaches part-time in a club, studio or gymnasium shall not be considered a professional. If a bodybuilder loses his regular salary as a result of competing in a contest, or giving an exhibition, he may be reimbursed with the exact amount of pay that he has lost, without being declared a professional. He cannot claim more than the actual salary lost, plus his normal expenses."

President Weider announced that the European countries would be meeting later to discuss the formation of a European Federation and to elect an executive council on the basis of one vote per country represented.

THE IFBB "MR. UNIVERSE" RESULTS

The Americans this year all competed in the Tall Class for the World Bodybuilding Championships. In the center is Lou Ferrigno of New York, who was proclaimed the winner. On his right is Ken Waller from California and, on his left, is Mike Katz from Connecticut. They raise Lou Ferrigno’s hands in victory.