We are clearly here in Bermuda for a very special event.

The World Bridge Federation is going to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Bermuda Bowl that, more or less, covers the whole of the history of our Organization.

Bridge has made enormous progress since 1950 and, as you all know, we are entering the 3rd millennium as a sport. Bridge is, as of now, a recognized sport which means, hopefully, a new status for you, the champions, who deserve to be admired for your particular skills and to be rewarded for your dedication to the game. And you have known for a long time that you are our main concern.

We could not have found a better place to launch our new image.

You will find here a perfect environment for play, the best, most courteous and charming people and I don't doubt that you will join me in thanking the Bermuda Government and people as well as Mr. Allan Gray, Chairman of Orbis Investment Management Ltd., and all the staff of Orbis who did such a very professional job for us. Without their sponsorship and help, we could not possibly have achieved such high standards of quality.

But let me tell you that even with this financial support, we always need the goodwill and the enthusiasm that we have got from the Bermuda Bridge Federation.

In giving a warm hand of appreciation to their President, Sheena Rayner, you will also be thanking all the staff and the volunteers from the island. They have all worked very hard to make this event a success and I know they will continue to do so. Believe me, it is not that easy, as we have really enlarged these Championships.

Besides the Orbis Bermuda Bowl with 20 teams and the Orbis Venice Cup of the same size, we will be holding, for the first time, a Seniors Exhibition match with 6 teams and a Transnational World Open teams event of approximately 70 teams.

That shows how attractive Bermuda is. Everything is now ready for the start and it is my pleasure and honour to declare the 2000 Orbis World Bridge Championships open.

José Damiani
WBF President