Tuzla, a city that is one of the oldest settlements in Europe with the continuity of living, and with the only salt lake in Europe, which is the trace of the Pannonian sea, was more than a successful host of the 20th anniversary Balkan Championships.
The huge organizing experience of the President of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation, Mr. Omer Stambolic and his associates, primarily Mr. Esef Ahmetkadic, owner of the Fitness Studio “Fuke” and Mr. Zlatko Berbic, owner of the “Koloseum” company, enabled all the participants of these Championships to take with them the best impressions from Tuzla and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The hospitality and cordiality of the Bosnian people could be felt on every step, and everything from the accommodation, food, Finals and the Farewell Banquet was impeccable.
Representatives of five Balkan countries: Bulgaria, Romania, F.Y.R.O. Macedonia, Serbia and Bosnia & Herzegovina, fought for the medals in 13 categories. Even though there were less competitors in Tuzla than at last year’s Balkan Championships, the quality of the athletes was of high standard. The audience in Tuzla had the opportunity to enjoy an uncertain competition of very prepared athletes from the mentioned countries.
If the numerous Turkish team, which because of technical difficulties didn’t manage to land at the Sarajevo Airport, had participated in Tuzla, the quality and number of competitors would be record breaking. But regardless of this, this was one of the strongest Balkan Championships so far.
After the six-hour Finals, the most successful national team was Bulgaria, followed by Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, F.Y.R.O. Macedonia and Romania.
For the overall organization of the event, the Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina deserves the highest grade.
Besides the competition, a very successful seminar was held for the students of the Faculty of Physical Education. The lecturers were Nenad Vuckovic, who spoke about the Training Systems of advanced Bodybuilders, B. sci. eng. Milivoje Jevremovic, who spoke about the IFBB and EBFF, Prof. dr. sci. Branimir Mikic and his assistant, a Magistrate of Physical Culture, Jasmin Hadzic, who spoke abouth the Fitness Passport and Mrs. Ljuba Pantovic, Vice-Champion of the World in Body-Fitness, who spoke about nutrition in Bodybuilding.
The whole event was covered by TV Stations from Bosnia & Herzegovina.
