Youth 4 Bridge

First Ever Manhattan Bridge Club Youth Tournament a Success

An American Contract Bridge League sanctioned event, the Manhattan Bridge Club Youth Tournament, held Sunday, May 22, attracted students from New York and New Jersey schools. Organized by Mila Antonova of Bridge Union and hosted by the Manhattan Bridge Club, 50 juniors ranging in ages from six to seventeen participated in the event. With nearly thirteen tables in play, the first ever event was a success.

The tournament had two categories, regular bridge and mini-bridge, in order to incorporate all ages and skill levels. Jenny Shan and Dickson Lo took first place in the regular bridge division and partners Makell Rainey and Michael Simms of Oakwood Avenue School, won the mini bridge division.

“I think it was a really smart idea to have the mini-bridge tournament, as well as the regular,” said parent Kitty Stanton. “It gets kids used to the duplicate bridge environment the right way. Overall it was a successful day with the kids!”

Antonova hopes to have a youth tournament twice a year and is eager to establish more youth bridge programs in the great New York City area.

“I think the tournament was a success because at the end of the day there were happy teachers, happy parents, but most importantly happy children,” Antonova said. “I’ve found a great support system of parents, teachers and other bridge players, and I’m eager to establish some youth bridge programs in New York City.”

To learn more about youth bridge, please visit youth4bridge.org, or if you are in the New York area, bridgeunion.com.

© 2009 American Contract Bridge League

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