Welcome Message From the President of FIGB

Mr. Mayor, Authorities, Mr. President of the WBF, Mr. President Emeritus of the WBF, distinguished guests, dear colleagues, dear friends,

Welcome to Verona to participate and enjoy together the 8th World Bridge Championships. In Italy we are proud to have organised the Olympiad on three occasions, the Bermuda Bowl four times, once with the Venice Cup, and the Generali Masters Tournament, but this is the first time we have had the honour of organising the World Bridge Championships. With teams representing some 70 countries, this will be a truly unique and special event with thousands of bridge players involved.

I want to thank the WBF and particularly its President, my dear friend José Damiani for this great opportunity that has been given to us.

I am sure that this will be a great event thanks to the Organising Committee, who have worked with such commitment, passion, professionalism and enthusiasm towards its success. To all of them go our most sincere thanks. We are also very grateful to the local Authorities for their significant and essential contribution and to all our sponsors and friends. Without their generosity it would be impossible for us: we would not only to be unable to organise this event, but it would have been unthinkable to attempt to organise it.

For this great event the Italian Government, to underline and emphasize its importance and to celebrate it, for the first time in our history, approved the release of a Commemorative Stamp, which has been issued today, 9th June 2006, on the occasion of the Opening Ceremony. It is not only a landmark for the philatelists, but it is an extraordinary messenger of bridge around the world. And I am pleased to take the occasion to thank once again the Italian Ministry for Communication.

I am sure that this marvellous town of Verona will live up to its reputation, tradition, history, culture, nature, colours and flavour by offering a great welcome to all of you dear friends, players, officials, journalists and guests.

Together with my colleagues from the World Bridge Federation, the Italian Bridge Federation and the European Bridge League I am confident in being able to count on both the dedication and professionalism of our staff, and on the cooperation of all of you. I always repeat that bridge is more than fair-play, because it is a way of thinking and not just a way of being, and I am sure that, once again, this great event will increase my conviction.

This great Championship renews the tradition of friendship and solidarity, without discrimination and barriers, highlighting the true values of Sport in general, and Bridge in particular. At a dramatic time in history, such as the one we are living through at present, our reply, the reply of the Bridge world, has been yesterday, is today, and must continue to be tomorrow, firm and resolute. Our motto 'Bridge for Peace', which is our flag, has to continue to fly higher and still higher.

Saying tomorrow, my mind goes to the future, and the future means young people. Following the teaching from my Presidents and "Magistri" Jimmy Patino and José Damiani, I will never tire of repeating that without youth there is no future for us. But today we are particularly happy because just before this Ceremony, here in Verona, in this prestigious Palazzo della Gran Guardia, some 150 school children aged between twelve and seventeen, played in a fantastic friendly sportive atmosphere a very agreeable bridge tournament. This event will not be only a lucky omen for the Championship, which starts tomorrow, but also a strong sign that our future will be prosperous.

Thank you dear friends for your attention and enjoy all together the Championship and your stay in Verona.

Gianarrigo Rona

FIGB and EBL President