Opening Speech of Panos Gerontopoulos

It is with great pleasure that I welcome all of you – players, officials and members of the staff – to the tenth World Youth Team Championship. This is the first time that our premier event is held in Zone 7 and I am very glad that the Australian Bridge Federation has chosen such a wonderful venue as the Sydney Olympic Park for our tournament.This wonderful venue is matched by the great effort put forward by the ABF organising committee under David Stern.

I am sure that all teams will try their best to contribute to the success of the Championship with fair and ethical play in an atmosphere of great sportsmanship. I also hope that you will take advantage of whatever free time you have available to visit this wonderful city.

All in all, let us all do whatever it takes to add one more great success to the history of the World Youth Team Championship. Enjoy your stay in Sydney.

Panos Gerontopoulos
WBF Youth Committee Chairman