WBF President's Closing Speech

	José Damiani President of WBF

One more. Once more we made it. If this 9th World Youth Bridge Team Championship was a great success, it is clearly because of the fruitful cooperation between our partner, Société Générale, our host the French Bridge Federation, you the players and, of course, the World Bridge Federation organizing and Youth committees. Thank you Mr. Hugues Le Bret, head of the Société Générale Communication Group, for your active support and for your friendship which will help the promotion of our sport.

With your associates - Mr. Thierry Dehesdin, Mr. Jean-Claude Poidevin and Mr. JeanPierre Dinspel – please accept this award with our gratitude.

Our thanks go also to the Executive Committee of the French Bridge Federation who welcomed us to their headquarters and to all their staff who worked with us with goodwill, knowledge and dynamism. Many of the participants came to congratulate and thank us for the quality of the organization and the warm atmosphere. That is our best reward. Now it is our turn to thank you, the players, captains and coaches.

I am very proud of you.
Not only did you perform very well but you showed to the entire world – through very extensive internet and media coverage – how bridge will be brilliant in the future.
And believe me, that sentiment touches my heart.

Moreover, having lived together during the past 10 days, we were able to see that our motto “Bridge for Peace” became a reality as you were all exchanging ideas and forging true friendships beyond the competition.

I am more than happy to underline this very positive behaviour on the part of young people as it is so rare nowadays.

At the end of the day we have winners and medalists who I am happy to congratulate, but you all deserve special applause and prizes for your excellent participation.

We love all of you even though now, with our great friend and President Emeritus Jaime Ortiz-Patiño, we are only going to be awarding the gold, silver and bronze medals. We count on you – you are our hopes for the future of bridge.

See you again soon.

José Damiani