PRESIDENT'S OPENING SPEECH

It is already eight years since we first planned to hold these World Championships in Montreal, Canada. Unfortunately, since then, the world and the events of 11th September 2001 have changed our habits. It's certainly the reason why we have a lower participation than expected, due to the difficulties for many players to travel or even for some of them to get visas, and having to spend money in this difficult economic environment.

However, we will have a good-sized event in the Mixed with about 470 pairs, the Open with more than 400 pairs and the Rosenblum KO teams with 160 teams.

It's just a pity that we have fewer Women's Pairs (100) and McConnell Teams (40), as well as the Seniors and Juniors.

Nevertheless, I am more than happy to thank all of you who have come here to this wonderful city, where I am sure you will be very well received. I would like to extend again my thanks to the Municipality of Montreal and the Bureau of Tourism for their support. And to say, once more, how grateful we are to the Desmarais family and the Power Corporation for their friendship and grants. We are also very grateful to SNC-Lavalin and Extreme Networks for providing us with the computers, printers and hubs.

Together with George Retek, President of the ACBL, his wife Marie and his organizing committee, we will do our best to ensure the quality of the organization of these Championships.

We would all appreciate your understanding and cooperation in forgiving some imperfections, if any, due to the fact that we are playing in two different hotels and, from time to time, communications may leave something to be desired despite our best efforts.

On a technical view point, I would remind you that brown sticker conventions are not allowed in these Championships except in the KO phase of the Rosenblum and the McConnell. Please do not hesitate to call the Directors if you think you are faced with one of these forbidden conventions.

Following our Code of Practice for Appeals, remember also that the rulings given by the directors are decided after consultation among themselves, with the blessing of the Senior Directors and advice from champions. Consequently, it is unlikely that you will need to lodge an appeal, which would probably arrive at the same decision, although you are of course still entitled to do so.

I am certain that you will all play in the best possible spirit and enjoy Montreal and these 2002 World Championship that I am now pleased to declare officially open.