Page 20 - ABF Newsletter October 2024

Join the 2025 Summer Festival
As the Tournament Organiser of the 2025 Summer Festival of Bridge, I’m thrilled to invite you to one of the most anticipated events on the Australian bridge calendar! Whether it’s your first time at the festival or you’re a regular, this 13-day extravaganza has something for everyone. Come for a day or stay for the whole festival – it’s packed with fun, excitement, and the chance to mingle with some of Australia’s top players!
Fun for Newer Players
This year, we’ve introduced a fun and exciting de- velopment program for players with fewer than 20 and 100 Masterpoints, running from 7-10 January. Plus, thanks to The Bridge Shop, there are great prizes – so there’s even more to look forward to!
A Shot at Greatness
At the heart of the festival is the National Open Teams, renowned as the ultimate test of bridge skill in Australia. The festival also features the National Seniors’ and Women’s Teams Selection events.
Play at Your Own Level
Prefer to compete in your own skill division? There are a wide range of events with divisions for U20, U100, U300, U500, U750, U1000, and Open players.
Single-Session Play & Workshops
If you’re looking for a more relaxed experience, we have plenty of single-session events and casual workshops to enjoy. It’s the perfect way to get your bridge fix at a leisurely pace while soaking up the vi- brant festival atmosphere. Table numbers are lim- ited, so pre-booking is required to secure your spot.
Club Development Day: Free for ABF Affiliated Clubs!
On Tuesday 7 January, two representatives from each ABF-affiliated club are invited to join the free Club Development Day. It’s a fantastic opportunity to network, hear directly from the ABF, and explore ways to grow your club through teaching, market- ing, and more. Whether you’re looking to strength- en connections or learn new strategies, this day is designed to inspire and support club development.
Swiss Pairs Events
This festival features four exciting Swiss Pairs events: • Chris Diment Matchpoint Swiss Pairs: 8-9 Jan
• Fixed Income Solutions Swiss Pairs: 10 January • TBIB Swiss Pairs (including U100/U300, U500/
U750 and Open divisions): 11-12 January
• Mixed Matchpoint Swiss Pairs (PQP Event):
Friday 17 January to Sunday 19 January Page: 20
A Luxury Stay at the Canberra Rex Hotel
The home of the festival is the 41⁄2-star Canberra Rex Hotel, offering exclusive room deals for par- ticipants, an onsite bar and restaurant, and a short walk to Canberra’s CBD. It’s the perfect setting for a relaxing and memorable bridge getaway.
Early Bird Draws
Book in by 31 October to be in the running for two fantastic early bird draws:
• ABF Early Bird Draw: Win ABF credits up to the value of your festival entry fees! One lucky player will win a prize of up to $900+, drawn at the Festival on Tuesday 7 January.
• Rex Early Bird Draw: One hotel guest will win a $100 voucher to the Howling Moon rooftop bar – perfect for celebrating your bridge victories! This draw will also take place on Tuesday 7 January.
Don’t Miss Out!
With top-class competition, exciting development programs, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, the 2025 Summer Festival of Bridge is shaping up to be an unforgettable event. Tables are limited to 120 per day and have reached capacity in previous years. Book in now to secure your place and avoid disappointment.
Support those who support bridge
We are incredibly grateful to our wonderful spon- sors, Tony Bemrose Insurance Brokers (TBIB), Fixed Income Solutions and The Bridge Shop for making the 2025 Summer Festival of Bridge possible. TBIB has been a longstanding partner of the Australian bridge community, offering tailored insurance solu- tions to players, clubs, and organisers alike. Their sponsorship of the TBIB Swiss Pairs ensures a thrilling competition across all divisions. Fixed Income Solu- tions provides financial services and is supporting the One Day Swiss Pairs. The Bridge Shop provides books, software and club supplies and also sponsor- ing the Under 20 and Under 100 Masterpoint events with fantastic prizes. We warmly encourage you to support these amazing sponsors who play such a vital role in making our festival a success!
Check Out the Program and Sign Up!
• You can explore the full program by clicking here. • Book your entry via MyABF here.
I can’t wait to see you there for an incredible cele- bration of bridge, fun, and friendship!
Warm regards, Laura Ginnan, not@abf.com.au 2025 Summer Festival of Bridge Tournament Organiser
Australian Bridge Federation Ltd. Newsletter: October 2024