An attentive audience received the latest news concerning the debut of bridge in the Winter Olympics at the Opening Ceremony of the 2nd IOC Grand Prix staged in the Olympic Museum in Lausanne.

Replying to the opening address of José Damiani, Marc Hodler, Vice-President of the IOC, emphasised the effort that has been required to make bridge a part of the Olympic family.

He confirmed that when bridge is a demonstration sport in the Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City in 2002, it will not be necessary for a new stadium to be built, as the event will be housed in a major hotel. It is also possible that the competitors may not have to stay in the Olympic Village.