hallway Posted February 5, 2006 Report Share Posted February 5, 2006 A MILESTONE for BILlies Today I spent one of the most enjoyable hours I have ever spent on BBO Throughout 2005 CHICKEN and AZIR have used the BIL as a safe haven in which to Mentor their groups of YOUNGSTERS - 10 – 15 year olds who wanted to learn to play bridge. The FRED’s of the Future !! My dream of a YOUTH GROUP within the BIL took a giant leap forward today as the two groups competed in their first TEAM MATCH For the record it was a cliff hanger with USA taking the lead on the 7th board to finish with 22 to 21 . However, for me each of the players were the real WINNERS - it is the taking part and competing in a spirit of harmony and goodwill that matters most. These youngsters exemplified all that I preach in the BIL First and foremost that bridge is a game of Partnership - Cherish your Partner - Respect your Opposition “Cherish your Partner” - learn from the outset that you are never more than one half of the whole. To criticize your partner is to punish yourself. “Respect the Opposition” – give them value and you give yourself value and you will play the better for it. Being a good partner leaves the mind free of garbage so one can concentrate on the mechanics of the game. That is my mission to send forth contented players for whom bridge is not only a challenge but a pleasure . These youngsters went forth took up the challenge, carried no garbage, treated one another with respect and played good bridge. No matter to what heights one may wish to achieve in one’s bridge journey there will always be something for one to learn from every session one ever plays. To be receptive to those opportunities to learn one’s mind must be free of garbage.I know their coaches will have much to teach from today's play. I also know their pupils will be ready to learn. Carolyn & Thorsten have set a standard for all future mentors of the young and the not so young to follow . I am sure they feel well rewarded for their effort today. Thank you and congratulations Carolyn & Thorsten you and your Teams have given me the courage to continue , you have renewed my faith in the BIL - the effort is worthwhile. ! Let today be but a beginning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nickf Posted February 6, 2006 Report Share Posted February 6, 2006 well done and congrats, but it'll be a looong journey. I think it was Fred Flintstone (or maybe Batfink) who once said: the journey of a thousand miles begins with a potty break. nickfsydney Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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