BridgeAtSchools, Inc. "Giving Youth a Hand for the Future"

BridgeAtSchools, Inc. Held First Inter-School Competition

August 8, 2002 – BridgeAtSchools, Inc., a not-for-profit organization researching the educational value of the game of bridge and developing in-school bridge curricula for the United States and Canada, hosted its first youth bridge competition on Saturday, August 24, 2002 as part of the American Contract Bridge League’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Bridge Tournament running August 19-25 at Marriott’s Hunt Valley Inn in Hunt Valley, Maryland.

The tournament was open to all elementary and middle school children familiar with the basics of the game, and bidding will not be required.  Fifth graders from Arthur Slade Regional Catholic School in Glen Burnie, who began taking lessons during summer school, wered the main challengers, and children from Montgomery County and Baltimore County attended what for many of them will be their first real competition outside the classroom.

As an educational program, bridge is believed to have enormous potential, addressing nearly every national education standard in math, critical thinking, and social skills.  In addition to these standards, it develops teamwork, decision-making, and self-worth.  Inter-school competitions provide safe, friendly environments for building self-esteem and confidence in the presence of adult mentors while promoting interest to practice and learn more about the game, thereby enhancing educational outcomes.

Registration for the tournament was Saturday, 10:30am, August 24, 2002, at the BridgeAtSchools booth at the Hunt Valley Inn.  Play began at 11am and ended around 4:30pm, including a lunch break.  Entries for the event cost $10, which included lunch.

For more information about BridgeAtSchools, Inc. visit the website www.bridgeatschools.org or email any member of the Board of Directors