WELCOME from the chairman of EBL Youth Committee Once again I am very pleased to welcome all of you – players, team officials and guests – to our flagship competition, the European Youth Team Championships. This year we are holding the 20th edition of this great event and I am glad that no less than 26 countries responded to our call and are represented here in Riccione. We are all very thankful to the Italian Bridge Federation for having chosen such a wonderful place for young people and grateful to the local authorities – administrative and bridge – for having prepared what appears to be an excellent championship. I am sure that all of us will do whatever it takes to ensure the success of these championships and wish all of you to achieve your goals in Riccione ’05. Panos Gerontopoulos (Chairman of the European Youth Committee)

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