PRESIDENT’S OPENING SPEECH

It is exactly 10 years since, here in Portugal, I gave up the Presidency of the European Bridge League following a championship that will remain engraved in the memories of all the participants as one of the most impressive that we have ever had.

It is, therefore, an anniversary that we are commemorating here thanks to the collaboration of my great friend, José Manuel Soares de Oliveira and the Portuguese Bridge Federation and its President, Herculano Ferreira, who have done everything possible to ensure that, once again, these World Championships will leave us with a lasting souvenir of the same calibre.

I am sure that these championships will give you the opportunity to discover and appreciate this beautiful country and the wonderful hospitality of the Portuguese people.

We are very grateful to the Portuguese authorities and, in particular, the Mayor of Cascais, Antonio d’Orey Capucho, and the Chairman of the Estoril Tourist Board, Duarte Nobre Guedes, for their invaluable support.

A big thank you also to Manuel d’Orey Capucho and all the organizing committee for your support, friendship and cooperation.

I would also like to thank, on behalf of the World Bridge Federation, the sponsors of this event: the Office of Tourism Estoril, the Municipality of Cascais, BPI, Europe Assistance, Companhia de Seguros Tranquilidade Vida, Banco Espirito Santo, the Instituto do Desporto de Portugal and not forgetting Generali, who has been a generous sponsor of bridge for many years. We would also like to thank our partners the Estoril Congress Centre, Renault, Lavazza, the Casino Estoril, Navigator, Océ, Viuva Lamego and Barros Porto.

Finally, I would like to thank you all for coming here to play your best bridge in fair competition.

Enjoy your stay and good luck to you all.