"Junior bridge goes from strength to strength," said Panos Gerontopoulos of Greece, WBF Youth Committee chairman, as he addressed all the competitors and guests at last night's opening ceremony of the Seventh Junior World Team Championships.

Ernesto d'Orsi of Brazil, former WBF president, officially opened the Games as the World Bridge Federation flag was unfurled. All 16 teams were introduced. They were led to the stage by two of the tournament directors, Guillermo Poplawsky and Rick Beye, who acted as flag bearers. After the players reached the stage, they stood at attention as their national anthem was played.

Gerontopoulos told of the unusual circumstances that prevented the 17th team, Pakistan, from participating. The American Embassy refused to grant visas to two members of the four-man team despite pleas from senators, congressmen and governors. The ACBL also made strong efforts to have the decision reversed. The players were granted a second hearing, but they were refused again. The reason given was that they did not show sufficient economic and social ties to their country. Central America's team also lost its Venezuelan representative for the same reason.

"This situation is a problem for Junior bridge," said Gerontopoulos. "It's something we will have to solve in the future." He pointed out that all seven zones are represented - 16 teams from 14 countries. He also pointed out that many important officials from around the world either are here or will be here.

Jaime Ortiz-Patino, former WBF president, will arrive next Monday and will be on hand to present the Jaime Ortiz-Patino Trophy to the winners. ACBL President Val Covalciuc also will be here later in the week. Gianarrigo Rona, president of the European Bridge League, arrived as the anthem for his team was being played. Gerontopoulos also expressed the best wishes of WBF President Jose Damiani.

Jonathan Steinberg of Toronto, ACBL Board of Directors member from District 2 and non-playing captain of Canada 1, conveyed the greetings of the American Contract Bridge League on behalf of ACBL President Covalciuc and the Board of Directors. "You represent the top players of the youth of your national contract bridge organizations," said Steinberg, "and we are pleased that you are participating in this, the Seventh World Junior Bridge Team Championships. We hope that the 10 days you spend here in beautiful Fort Lauderdale will be some of the most memorable in your bridge careers. "Floridians are famous for their gracious hospitality, and this bridge championship is no exception. Your hosts have planned some really special excursions for you - a trip to the Everglades National Forest, a visit to Saw Grass Mills, which offers one of this area's premier shopping experiences, and an evening cruise to view the intercoastal mansions owned by famous people from all walks of life."

Bobby Wolff of the United States, a former president of both the WBF and the ACBL, pointed out that he has been to four World Junior Team Championships, each time in a different capacity. "I have been a captain, a coach, the president, and head of appeals. When am I going to get a chance to play?" Wolff pointed to these championships as a chance to put bridge on the map. "Our Juniors are the stars of tomorrow, and now we have Olympic recognition as well. We're on our way!"

Joan Gerard of the United States, vice president of the WBF and a former ACBL president, was mistress of ceremonies. "Everybody here is a winner," she said. "That's why you're here." Sixteen teams consisting of more than 100 of the world's best young bridge players -- all 26 or younger - then opened the competition for the World Junior Team championship.