I offer a big applause and thanks to the International Olympic Committee and the Olympic Museum.

Indeed I am more than happy to underline first the ambience which has reigned during these five days in Lausanne the Olympic capital. For the first time everybody, winners or losers, are proud of having participated in this great event. They thus recognised the words of Pierre de Coubertin "The important thing is taking part".

This is due, not only to the beautiful environment of Lausanne, the Museum and the perfect conditions of play, but also to the kindness of the people of the International Olympic Committee and Museum who have welcomed bridge players and many spectators for the first time.

And I am sure that the millions of bridge fans who have followed the IOC Grand Prix on Internet or read about it in their newspapers and magazines will be ready to visit the Museum next time and support their teams.

Indeed the competition was great and all the competitors deserve our congratulations with of course a special mention to the winners and runner up.

I have no doubt that our future is here in the Olympic movement and we are grateful to the President Juan Antonio Samaranch and the Vice President, Marc Hodler as well as all their team for the invitation they have already forwarded for the next edition of the IOC Grand Prix.

José Damiani