EBL President’s Farewell

Dear friends,

The curtain falls on the 3rd edition of the European Bridge Champions Cup. For the four days of this event you were the true protagonists, conducting yourselves with loyalty in an atmosphere of extraordinary fair-play and friendship. These are, as you know, the real characteristics of sport, of our sport, bridge.

Success in a championship is very important and represents the objective of all competitors, but results can have high and low points, like in any other area of life. What is really important is friendship, serenity, the pleasure of being together, and enjoying ourselves all together.

I hope you had a pleasant stay in this wonderful city of Barcelona. The venue, I believe, was perfect for all our needs, both as players and staff.

Firstly I wish to thank Mr Claudio Lepori, Mr Jorge Balleste and Mr Fernando Moreno of Laboratorios Juanola, the sponsor of the event. Without their help this event could not have taken place. I also wish to thank Mr Juan María Tintoré, President of Real Club de Tenis de Barcelona 1899, Mr Carlos Mercé, General Manager of the Club, and Mr Eduardo Molero, President of the Asociación Española de Bridge. My heartfelt thanks go also to my friend Lino Bove, Chairman of the Championship and the real deus ex machina of the event! And I can’t forget the help given by the Venue Facilities Managers, Paula Castillo and Sabina Medina.

If the greater part of the success of this event goes to you the players, we have to give credit also to the truly amazing work of the staff led by Ton Kooijman, whose enthusiasm, dedication and professionalism deserve your applause.

Dear friends, dear players, tonight we will celebrate the victory of all of you. In events like this one here in Barcelona, there are no losers. Congratulations to all of you players. This evening is for you and we are here to thank and honour you. I hope you enjoyed the Champions Cup, will have a very pleasant evening tonight and once home will have happy memories of this very special event.

The 4th edition of the European Champions Cup will take place next year in Brussels. We are honoured to have with us here tonight Madame Nicole Cauchie of the European Commission to receive the EBL flag.

Thank you for your attention. I wish you a safe journey home and ‘un abbraccio’ to you all.

Gianarrigo Rona
EBL President