The 2009 European Women's Bridge Jamboree, held in Rome's prestigious Sheraton Hotel, was extended and welcomed women players from all over the world. About 120 players took part, including big groups from Cyprus and Turkey, as well as non-Europeans from Australia, Equador, Jordan and USA.
Anna Maria Torlontano, Chairman of the EBL Women's Committee from Italy, and Committee members Sevinc Atay from Turkey and Silvia Valentini from Italy, attended the event. In addition, Ester Sophonpanich of Thailand, President of Pacific Asia Bridge Federation (WBF zone 6), and a member of the WBF Women Committee, was also present to support the event.
Some words from Anna Maria about the 'spirit' and the success of the event.
The atmosphere was simply incredible. I have never seen such enthusiasm, warmth, and gratitude by the women players for what we organized for them! The bridge tournaments were pleasant as well as serious. The tourism, pleasant and of high level: Rome by night- a Papal Audience in the marvellous Saint Peter Square, one full day excursion in the historical part of Rome, lunch included, with a professional guide and, the last day, three hours of...shopping in the new commercial centre 'Euroshop'.
All the players enjoyed the event very much, and when I said personally good bye to all of them, between a smile and a kiss the inevitable questions were: 'when is the next Jamboree?', 'where will it be?'
Conclusion: In my opinion the Jamboree was a big promotion for women’s bridge, above all for the medium ranked women players, usually taken in small consideration by NBOs. What will they say about this experience, when they return home? Don't you think that, upon hearing about it, many women would be impressed and attracted to bridge?
Last thing, I almost forgot! During these 6 days we were kissed by the sun! The day after departure, maybe you heard about or saw in TV, rain and a storm inundated Rome!!! |
The EBL Women Committee wishes to thank all participants for coming over, as well as the sponsors:
- CONI (National Olympic Committee of Italy) which offered cups to the winners in the Individual and Pairs Tournaments;
- Italian Bridge Federation (FIGB), for plaques (or plates) to the first 6 competitors overall;
- Silver Cup (by Anna Maria Torlontano) to the Jamboree champion;
- Maria Teresa Lavazza, for the wonderful bags and precious necklaces;
- Francesca Angelini (Francesco Angelini's daughter) for beauty products;
- Ezio Fornaciari for the wine;
- Sevinc Atay, for various Turkish gifts
Jamboree Competitions Results
• Pairs
1 Fabrizi BETTIOL - Nicla TESSITORE (Italy)
2 Stefania CASALE DANI - Rita MARZANO (Italy)
3 Sanem INAN - Fethiye TAGA (Turkey) |
• Individual
1 Emily GARDEN (Scotland)
2 Belis ATALAY (Turkey)
3 Rosalba SICILIANO (Italy) |
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