History was made at 8:32 p.m. on Friday when China State Councillor Madame Liu Yandong declared the 1st World Mind Sports Games open for competition in five sports.

Participants in Bridge, Go, Chess, Xiangqi and Draughts, representing 143 countries and regions, were on hand for the opening ceremonies at the Olympic Sports Center Gymnasium.

With the flags of the nations on display behind him, World Bridge Federation President Jose Damiani told players, “You are the ones who will show the world that you can combine harmony and honor even in tough competition.” Damiani is also president of the International Mind Sports Association.

Earlier in the day, Damiani and Dr. Paul G. Hoglund, representing the General Association of International Sports Federations, encouraged bridge players in the Open, Women’s and Senior competitions to play well and with fairness.

At the Olympics venue, Youth bridge players and the representatives of the other sports were welcomed by Guo Jinlong, mayor of Beijing, and Liu Peng, president of the Chinese Olympic Committee.

Liu said the mind sports games were “a dream come true” for the city. Guo told the gathering, “We hope you will take with you a fond memory of Beijing.”

The official opening of the WMSG was followed by an elaborate stage production representing the disciplines of the competition.