Man at the Top
The President of the World Bridge Federation,
José Damiani, recently found the time for an interview with
Mark Horton.
![](Images/Contract%20Signing.jpg)
Contract Signing
I would like to begin by finding out
a little more about about José Damiani when he is not engaged
in the role of President. Tell me about your family life.
It is the most enjoyable part of life,
with my wife Monique, my daughter Caroline, who is married to
a very good bridge player, my sons Laurent and Emmanuel, who
are working in our company, and my six grand children.
How did bridge become a part of your
life?
By accident, because I discovered that
I had congenital osteonecrose while I was engaged in two tennis
tournaments, and I had to stop playing. Then I decided to play
bridge, and I was lucky enough to find good partners, and I
was asked to become President of the club because of the illness
of my best friend. Later on I was asked to become President
of the District, and then I was asked to be President…
Your triumphs at the table?
I won six National French Championships,
many Festivals, and recently a medal in the European Mixed Pairs
Championships, as well as a silver medal in the Senior European
Team Championships.
Clearly I spend much more time on administration
that at the bridge table.
Is being President of the WBF a full
time job?
Unfortunately yes! It is on voluntary
basis, but I like to do it properly and the promotion of the
game is in my view just as important as the organisation. That
is especially important now, and with our aim to become an Olympic
discipline, it never ends.
You have a brilliant record in attracting
sponsors, and keeping them. What advice would you offer to other
bridge organisations that have been less successful?
You are right to mention in the same sentence
‘attracting sponsors and keeping them’. As a matter of fact
it is not difficult to attract them, but in order to keep them
you have to show respect, to work for them, to give them what
they are entitled to get back.
The Olympics: What is the latest news?
We have a strategy and we follow it. This
means that we are working to be present in Salt Lake City, even
with a single exhibition match, because our aim is really Turin
2006.
I understand that negotiations are
taking place between the IOC, FIDE (World Chess Federation)
and Australian Chess Federation on chess having a presence at
the Sydney Olympics. Will bridge have a presence?
I heard the same rumours and I asked my
Australian friends to inquire. I also met some people from the
Sydney Organizing Committee and nobody was able to confirm.
As you know, in Chess there are two organisations which are
competitors , FIDE and the Chess PGA led by Garry Kasparov.
Perhaps there is something happening with the latter, but we
all recognise that bridge and chess have a common destiny.
Mentioning chess, France has recognised
it as a sport. What about bridge?
As far I know we have the same status
with the Ministry of Sports.
At the beginning of May, I met the President
of the CNOSF (the French National Olympic Committee) and the
French Bridge Federation has by now sent its application. I
strongly believe the FFB will be accepted before the end of
the year 2000.
Do you have any news about the next
Bermuda Bowl?
We have signed a contract with the Indonesian
Bridge Federation to organise in Bali the next Bermuda Bowl
and Venice Cup and the Transnational Open Teams, at the end
of October/beginning of November 2001. It will be a marvellous
venue and site, and I do not have any reason today to have any
doubt about what will be a great success.
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Wales Team Profile
Some of you may know that
in the Chinese Calendar this year is “The Year of the Dragon”.
This is the first appearance of our Welsh Dragon in European
Bridge and we are delighted to be here. Since January, England,
Wales and Scotland are devolved within the EBL.
This event was held in Cardiff
four years ago. The Swiss Captain on that occasion was heard
to remark “When they said to go to Cardiff, I thought - this
is a small village in England. It is in Wales and it is bigger
than Zurich!”
Representing Wales are:
Mark Roderick (Road Runner),
so known for his ability to whiz around in his wheelchair at
100KPH. Watch out for him in the foyer if you look like being
dangerous opponents in the next match! Often to be found on
OK Bridge being charming to Americans.
Mike Cleaton. (Spiderman),
as he can weave many webs. As a buyer for Sainsbury’s he handles
a budget for millions so he is the only team member who is coping
with the Turkish Lira.
Dafydd Jones (Bugs Bunny),
as he is capable of digging himself into a hole. Known also
for his charming smile and his inability to buy a round. Dafydd
has just taken his finals in Bristol.
Jake Dunn (Shaggy), you will
have to work that one out. At present studying in Edinburgh
where his passport remained when he came to London for the flight.
Replaces his older brother Adam in the squad. Adam works at
the English Bridge Union as a spy for Wales.
Catherine Evans (Gummy Bear),
as she doesn’t stop smiling. She is the youngest competitor
in the Junior event, weighing in at just fourteen years. Her
sister is ten years old and has represented Wales in the Under
20’s team. Her ambition is to reach adulthood.
David Davies (Obelix) - but
with the brains too! Studying Librarianship at Aberystwyth means
he is given the job of running the book.
NPC Paul Cunningham was heard
to liken his team to a box of eggs - smooth, well rounded, but
he could only get the best out of them when they were smashed.
Paul is assisted in his duties
by Coach Jon ‘Fluff’ Seavers - until last year Fluff was a member
of the Welsh Juniors himself. He is so confident that the team
will win a medal that he has compulsory singing practice every
morning for the National Anthem.
They are all delighted to
be in Turkey and taking part in these magnificent Championships.
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