Youth North American Bridge Championships (YNABC)
A record 238 players participated in the 11th Annual Youth North American Bridge Championships (YNABC), held in early August in Atlanta. The twenty-one youth players from Silicon Valley had a great time. Every SiVY player either qualified for one or both final sessions in the Championship Events or won in a Consolation Event, bringing home both master points and great memories.
Parents and youth participants were asked to provide feedback about the YNABC and SiVY sponsorships. Parents unanimously applauded the experience as enjoyable and educational for the young players.
Olivia Schireson, Jonathan Shi, Avery Silverstein, and Lucas Huang accepting their trophies for winning the Consolation SwissGrace Ming is the mother of Lucas Huang, who has participated in all four YNABC as a SiVY-sponsored player. She said, “Playing YNABC has shaped Lucas in many ways: partnership, critical and strategic thinking. And the annual YNABC has defined our summer vacation destination. This year beyond the tournament, we spent two more days in Atlanta visited civil rights sites and museum. Great experience.”
When asked what they enjoyed most, the youth players most often cited meeting new people from all over or seeing friends made at prior YNABCs. Some mentioned things they learned such as “don’t be too eager to win” and “about bridge etiquette”. On the more humorous side, one player said, “don’t play morning KOs, it’s not worth waking up early.” All said they would indeed like to play in another YNABC. Next year they will have another chance in Las Vegas, July 25-27.
