Page 187 - LIBRO DEL AÑO.2018_c

2017 IFBB

INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS

BENIDORM, SPAIN

To say that this Congress was interesting wouldn’t be enough.

THIS CONGRESS WAS REVOLUTIONARY!

“IFBB has stopped its “IFBB Elite Pro World “IFBB restructured
cooperation and relations Championships as a top the system of official
with the NPC of USA and Pro event each year.” divisions and categories,
Pro League.” introducing many new
“IFBB created the age, weight and height
“IFBB formed its own Athlete’s Committee for classes.”
professional structure Bodybuilding and Fitness
named “IFBB Elite Pro.” athletes.” “IFBB has changed
the system of the best
“IFBB will be providing “Participation in the teams classification
Elite Pro Cards for its world and continental at the international
Pro athletes and will championships will be championships.”
organize.” unlimited.”

raditionally, the IFBB breaking of the IFBB Constitution and President for South America,
annual Congress was Rules, what had its culmination at the substituted Mr. Aquilles De Cesare,
held in conjunction with 2017 Olympia Weekend, where IFBB who becomes a new IFBB Patron.
the IFBB World international judges were not allowed Among the most interesting
Bodybuilding to work in the panel. proposals approved by the Congress,
TChampionships, this Following this decision, the NPC we could see:
time prior to the Championships, on and its President, Mr. Jim Manion
Friday, November 3rd, 2017. Delegates have been suspended and Mr. Manion • Women’s Bikini Fitness categories
from nearly 80 countries took their seats has been removed from his positions have been increased to eight: 158
at the Congress hall to deliberate how to in the IFBB (Executive Council cm, 160 cm, 162 cm, 164 cm, 166
run and reorganize the Federation in a member, area Vice-President for cm, 169 cm, 172 cm, +172 cm.
new reality, after stopping its relations North America). New IFBB Vice- • Men’s Physique categories have
with the NPC of USA and the Pro League President for North America was been increased to six: 170 cm,
as well as how to improve some areas to elected: Mr. Marco Antonio Cabezas of 173 cm, 176 cm, 179 cm, 182 cm,
face up new challenges and expectations Mexico. IFBB also declared the Pro +182 cm.
of the physique sports circles. League key official, Mr. Robin Chang, • New system of Bodybuilding
First, the Congress approved nine persona non grata to the IFBB. Also Masters categories has been
new IFBB member-countries: the San Marino National Federation introduced:
Andorra, Angola, American Samoa, and its President, Mr. Gian Enrico Pica - Age 40-44 years: 70 kg, 80 kg,
Cameroon, Cook Islands, Fiji, have been suspended for promoting 90 kg, +90 kg
Grenade, Liechtenstein and Monaco events not sanctioned by the IFBB. - Age 45-49 years: 70 kg, 80 kg,
to achieve a total of 196 member- At the same time, IFBB has created its 90 kg, +90 kg
countries and become much closer to new Professional Branch: IFBB Elite Pro - Age 50-54 years: 80 kg, +80 kg
break a barrier of 200. and approved the tentative calendar of - Age 55 & over: 75 kg, +75 kg
Then, President Santonja, month the first Elite Pro events. Mr. Wayne
by month, reported his global activity, DeMilia of the USA has been appointed • New Master Men’s Classic
informing about his visits, meetings, as a new IFBB leader in the USA, with a Bodybuilding categories: 40-44
decisions and plans. Detailed task to form a new US National years, 45-49 years, over 50 years
information may be found in his Federation to be affiliated with the IFBB. as an open classes.
President’s Report. The Congress also approved the • New Master Women’s Bikini
The decision to stop relations with change at the position of the South Fitness categories: age 35-39: 163
the NPC and Pro League was tough but American leader. Mr. Juan Fernando cm, +163 cm; age 40-44 - open;
had to be made due to their notorious Paredes was elected new IFBB Vice- age 45 and over – open.

186 2017/2018 BOOK OF THE YEAR