Diary of the 2009 Youth NABCby Patty Tucker
The 2009 Youth NABC, held in the nation’s capital, Washington DC July 30 through August 1, was a thumbs-up success! 168 young players from 22 states, five Canadian provinces and four countries attended the fun-packed event where they had many opportunities to visit with old friends and make new ones, create great memories and take home trophies and even a few masterpoints.
Jay Baum, the ACBL’s CEO, kicked off the Thursday morning opening ceremonies with words of welcome and encouragement before the announcement of the first class of ACBL Youth Ambassadors and the youth-elected Youth Advocate.
The Youth Ambassadors and Youth Advocate will serve as the voice of the new youth program. Their mission is to convey our young players’ questions and suggestions to ACBL management in addition to working with the ACBL to create a program that is reflective of the youth membership’s needs and desires.
Colorful and really cool Youth4Bridge ball caps were distributed to the players by the ACBL’s director of marketing, Vicki Campbell. The caps are great advertisements for the new youth web site and many of the kids put on their caps as soon as they were in their hands. Next, players searched for their home cities on the large map on display. Fairly soon the North American and World Maps started to resemble pincushions as the players found their spots and marked them.
In honor of the second annual Youth NABC held in Washington DC, the North American Youth Bridge Foundation (NAYBF), in conjunction with Tournament Bridge Services, LLC and Big Sioux Screen Print, donated its time and resources to provide each participant with a build-your-own Twisted Pen.
The warm-up pair and team game were followed by entertainment provided by juggler John Chase, who kept the kids amazed with his skill and in stitches with his jokes and pranks. Afterwards, it was off to a reception for the parents, students and teachers hosted by members of District 6.
On Friday morning, ten tables of parents attended their own class, ‘Beginning Bridge for Parents’ and ‘Advancing Bridge for Parents’. Meanwhile the kids were excited because several top-ranked players visited to answer bridge questions, talk about ‘systems’ and just get to know the new young players.
The videographer hired by the ACBL was there to capture all the fun and excitement on film.
NAYBF, in conjunction with Tournament Bridge Services, LLC and Big Sioux Screen Print, was back on Friday with custom made souvenir photo buttons. Many players camped out in the youth lounge where they played games, ate, talked and hung out with friends. Connect 4 remains the winner of ‘favorite game’ in the youth lounge.
The headliner bridge event played on Friday morning and afternoon was the Baron Barclay National Youth Open Pairs two-session event. Hand records and analyses were provided by Brian Gunnell of Wednesday Night Bridge. Jim and Mimi Maier, owners of Baron Barclay Bridge Supply, were on hand to award the trophies to the winners and commiserate with the losers.
During the break between sessions, while the delicious cookie assortment was being devoured, Gabe the Illusionist amazed the kids and their parents with his sleight of hand and magic keeping everyone in the audience on the edge of their seats.
Saturday was a very special day because US astronaut Greg Johnson came to visit with the youngsters. Greg’s exciting presentation was followed by questions and answers from the kids. Let me assure you, at the conclusion of his talk it was apparent to everyone that this ACBL Life Master from League City, Texas had impressed the kids, parents and others who stopped by to listen.
Next it was off to the first session of the National Swiss Teams and then came an early break for lunch. The kids had another a special visitor----this time, none other than Microsoft’s Bill Gates! Gates was playing in the Open Swiss Teams and took time to stop by before the afternoon session to talk to the kids, shake hands and even sign a few Youth4Bridge ball caps.
Then it was back to the final session of bridge play in the 2009 Youth NABC! Winners were declared and it was time for tournament director Nancy Watkins to turn off her computer. Thanks to Nancy---who calls Cumming, Georgia home----for her top-notch work during the three days of our tournament. Nancy’s diligent efforts resulted in a smooth and trouble- free game that everyone appreciated.
The ACBL hosted a fabulous Winners’ Reception buffet for the players, parents, teachers, volunteers and chaperones. Buffet items included an assortment of cheeses and crackers, fruit, chicken puffs and more; everyone filled their plates as they got ready for the closing ceremonies.
The highlight of the closing ceremony was definitely the awarding of the Sportsmanship Trophy. The trophy is awarded to the person---elected by their peers---who best exhibits ethics, sportsmanship and exemplary conduct during the tournament. The 2009 winner of the Sportsmanship Trophy was Angie Green from Alpharetta Georgia. Angie was almost speechless when she heard her name announced as the winner but she quickly rebounded and happily and energetically accepted the award.
Many e-mails were received after the tournament’s end. For example, people want to touch base with others they met on the metro while commuting to the Youth NABC. Parents wanting pictures. Local newspaper reporters wanting to know how ‘their people’ did. Parents expressing thanks. Many young players taking the time to say ‘thank you.’
A great tradition has been started. A precedent of what is important has been set: friendships made, a community formed, young players discovering the joy of competition. It’s up to us to keep this spirit going. Let’s all do our part!