Joan Gerard Youth Awards

Joan Gerard

The WBF Youth Awards were instituted by the World Bridge Federation in 1989 as part of their general effort for the development of Junior Bridge worldwide. The Awards aimed at rewarding aptitude, diligence and international spirit shown by participants at the Junior Camps. The WBF Youth awards were discontinued in 2007, when the World Junior Camps were discontinued.

Following a proposal made by Alvin Levy, the Management Committee approved the revival of the Youth Awards in 2013 at a meeting held in Milan during March of that year. Following the sad death of Joan Gerard, who had been a long-time support of the WBF Youth Programs worldwide, it was agreed that the awards should be named in her memory. The Joan Gerard Youth Awards will aim at rewarding aptitude, fair play, good sportsmanship and a friendly international spirit, rejecting any discrimination. They will be presented every year at the Youth Bridge Teams Championships and at the World Youth Open Bridge Championships to a Junior, a Youngster and a Girl.

Each of the attending players, NPCs, coaches, WBF championship officials and members of the staff can nominate one Junior, one Youngster, one Girl to receive the Joan Gerard Youth Award. No one can nominate players from his own country.

The final selection will be made by a Commission composed of the members of the Championship Committee and chaired by the Master of Protocol & Ceremony. The result will be announced and the Joan Gerard Youth Awards presented at the Prize-giving Ceremony.

	Nicholas RODWELL Australia We start with someone who is one of life’s natural leaders. He always tries to make the best out of every situation, and is ready to help when needed, with a smile on his face. He has added an extra, cosmopolitan dimension to the camp. He is sociable, cheerful and extrovert, a pleasure to be around. He is also multi-talented, whether at sports or as a junior at bridge or as a business professional; his employer has spotted this, and allowed him an extensive holiday – this only three weeks after joining them!
	Rosaline BARENDREGT Netherlands Our second candidate has been as immediately visible as anyone at the camp if not just through her organizing skill, through her multi-coloured outfits.This candidate embodies the spirit of Junior Camp bridge; ever cheerful, employing initiative – particularly at organizing side events. Enthusiasm is this person’s middle name – it is visible in every thing she does. She gets on well with the other camp participants, and her personality and good nature shine through; she wants to have fun and for everyone else to enjoy themselves too.
	Steve DE ROOS Belgium Our third candidate has been a regular at camps for the best part of a decade. He has been recommended because he is always friendly and cheerful, to everyone, regardless of whether they are a good bridge player or not. His forte on this occasion has certainly ensured that everyone has had a good time. He put an enormous amount of time and effort (not to mention lost sleep!) in organizing additional tournaments for the bridge addicts, and the amazing attendance at these sessions was an indication of his success at this task. As one of his fans said, these games are an informal way for the members of camp to get to know one another, and stimulate the goals of the camp. So his success in this area makes him the perfect candidate for an award.
	Joe GRUE U.S.A. And finally… the number of people who voted for our fourth nominee makes it clear what an exceptional personality this candidate really is. Everyone aggrees that he is a really cool guy, always happy to hang out, and have a conversation with anyone. He participates in all the activities, plays both sport and bridge competitively, but still manages to have a great time. He has great manners at the bridge table; he may be the best player at the camp but he never shows it. He is funny, friendly and genuine and always good-natured, willing to play with weaker players, and take care of the younger players and treat them as an equal, ready to explain anything when asked, but not to criticize. During a team-game he went to great lengths to ensure that he played with all three of his less experienced teammates.

2004 Awards

	Sunisa CHODCHOY Thailand Though this is her fi rst camp she has fi t in immediately. She is always smiling and happy. She will leave everybody with a positive impression and not just because she has passed on to so many of us those little presents from her native country. She is always charming and polite, she thanks the organizers, has a pleasant word for everybody, she plays with partners of different abilities and by the end of the camp has become one of the most popular and sought after partners here.
	Joshua DONN U.S.A. This camper has been a regular attender at bridge camp, during which time his bridge has improved but he has remained a cheerful entertainer. Though he has become a good player, he plays bridge and socializes with everyone and is always outgoing and friendly. His ability to laugh at himself makes him popular with everyone – whether they are laughing at him or with him.
	Catalin-Lucian LAZAR Romania Thought our next recipient of the award has limited experence with Junior Camps it is clear that this player fi ts in to the ideals of the camp spirit as if he were an old hand. This player has been successful at the table and an avid participant in the bridge activities, but more to the point though this player has a quiet manner he is friendly and cooperative, demonstrating the right camp spirit.
	Bjorn SORLING Sweden Our next nominee might on the surface appear to be a quieter infl uence, but he is equally infl uential at every level. He appears always to be in a good mood at the table, polite and smiling to everyone. He participates in all the sporting activities, the treasure hunt and the late games, and encourages everyone else to do the same. He is a good player but does not emphasize his own ability – and he also helps the bulletin, which is something the editor will not forget!

2003 Awards

	Kare GJALDBAEK Denmark Our first nominee has been a regular attender at junior events and camps for the last few years, during which time he has graduated from a wild and frivolous bridge player to…. who knows? This player has played at the very top level in junior bridge, but he remains at heart a true junior. He always has a smile on his face, and his nominators described him as an expert at mixing with all different nationalities, friendly, happy and willing to help, whatever the situation. He is helpful to every participant in the camp, it does not matter how old or young, how good or how bad a player they are, He is there to have fun with everybody, and that is the best possible approach in a junior camp and in life. Step forward, Kare Gjaeldbaek!
	Ben GREEN England Our next nominee is a far quieter influence within the camp. He is not one of the campers you would notice immediately; but he is always in a good mood, at the table, being kind to both partner and the opponents alike. He was even able to emerge smiling after playing a session with the most difficult of staff members! Away from the table he talks to anybody and everybody, displaying a great sense of humour, and a devil-may-care attitude, encouraging everybody to have fun. As another nominator said, this player would be the classic entry under the heading ‘The ideal man to socialize at a camp’. Even when he slightly injured himself during the athletics he did not want to let his team-mates down and played bridge that night. Congratulations, Ben Green of England.
	Philippos KARAMANLIS Greece Our next winner is by no means a novice at WBF Camps – indeed he has come to our attention before, as a potential candidate. This year there was no question that he should win an award. His ability to exhibit the right camp spirit, always taking care of the less experienced members of the camp as well as the younger members of his own delegation, make him a perfect candidate. When he first came to the camp, his feet could hardly touch the ground when he sat at the table; now he could hardly be described as anything but ‘Mr. Junior Camp’. He exhibits the right camp spirit, being an outgoing, friendly and cheerful face both at and away from the table. Well done Philippos Karamanlis of Greece!
	Joel WOOLDRIDGE USA Our final winner is a natural humorist. He wants to do well at the table, but not at the expense of anyone’s feelings. He remained cheerful and in good spirits even when he was really feeling unwell – and still had a smile on his face throughout. Like our previous winner he is indeed a camp veteran. But his merit goes beyond the Camp borders. At the World Junior Pairs Championships in Tata he formed a partnership at the last minute, with a less experienced player – who asked him to let him know what he did wrong. He is still waiting for a single criticism of any of his actions! Most of us are not lucky enough to find even one partner in our life time like that. So especial congratulations to Joel Wooldridge of the USA!

2001 Awards

	Niek BRINK The Netherlands First comes a player who stands out because he always has a smile on his face. He plays with partners of all ranks, and though he is a fine player he does not show his superiority at the table. Since his first appearance, he has adopted the Camp spirit and worked for its success, whether by participating, helping fellow Juniors or giving a hand (bridge or otherwise) to the organizers. He is friendly to everyone, generous, and popular. For all these reasons, we are very pleased to honour Niek Brink.
	Kostas KOUSSIS Greece The fans of our second award winner say that he is always happy and understanding at the Bridge table, even when his partner does not live up to expectations. As a player, he is good; as a Camper, he is superior and has demonstrated repeatedly that he has the right youth spirit. You will always find him mixing with people from other countries, having a good time, and ensuring that they do too. Moreover he is always ready to help anyone who is experiencing a problem. Well done Kostas Koussis.
	Daniel MOGILNICKI Poland We are very pleased to be able to pick our third candidate because he has been a tower of strength – not just at the Bridge table but especially away from it. At any event there are problems, but our third honouree was always ready to help either doing the job himself or finding the right man for the job, and he was always around even at unpopular times of day and night. He was a moving spirit and motivator amongst the participants – a proof that he has thrown himself into the camp activities with great enthusiasm. Step forward Daniel Mogilnicki.
	Ophir RESHEF IsraelOur fourth and final award goes to a player who is always ready to play any game – whatever the time of day or night – if this would please other people. He is a regular visitor to the Bulletin Room with stories of other people’s achievements, and encourages his fellow campers to play well and have a good time. He has been an enthusiastic camp supporter from the very beginning; not only did he come back at all occasions but, together with his friends, he acted as an ambassador of Junior bridge in his country, ensuring that many more Juniors share his camp experiences. Congratulations Ophir Reshef.

1999 Awards

	Josh HELLER Canada Our opening award goes to a young man who despite or perhaps because of his controversial personality breathes life into Junior Bridge wherever and whenever he participates at whatever level. His boundless enthusiasm has helped to advance the cause of bridge both in his home country, his zone and worldwide. His colourful nature has sometimes taken him to the brink but he has the spirit that is required in the camp. Aged 19, he recently finished High School and is going to study commerce at Queens University. Please welcome our Canadian friend Josh Heller.
	Monika MIROSLAW Germany Our second award goes to a 21-year-old who is already a camp veteran. She has an outgoing personality that enables her to make newcomers to the camp feel welcome. Sometimes described as the ‘Good Samaritan’ of Junior Bridge she always finds the time to help both her fellow campers and the organisers. Her first consideration is the enjoyment of others. She hopes to take a course in hotel management in or around Frankfurt. Warmest congratulations to Germany’s Monika Miroslaw.
	Kathrine BERTHEAU Sweden Our third recipient is another young lady who has an international character that combined with her charming personality enables her to make friends easily. Her ability to organise all manner of fun packed activities has endeared her to everyone and typifies the spirit of the camp. She has that rare quality that enables her to get along with the wide range of people that participate in junior events. Her wonderful spirit has spread all over the camp. She is currently relaxing after obtaining her Master’s degree in Mathematics. Aged 24 please step forward Kathrine Bertheau of Sweden.
	Thomas SCHONFELDT Denmark Our final award is made to a young man who exemplifies the WBF award scheme. He is enthusiastic and is one of those rare people who light up a room when they enter. The warmth of his personality is infectious and puts everyone at ease. His courteousness, generosity and helpful nature have endeared him to everyone. He was nominated in considerable numbers, clear evidence of the remarkable impression he has made. He is studying to be technical engineer and teaches ‘oldies’ bridge. Please show your appreciation for the 22 year old Thomas Schønfeldt from Denmark.

1997 Awards

	Mette DROGEMULLER Denmark Our final award goes to someone who typifies the definition of a suitable candidate: always willing to lend a helping hand, cheerful and friendly, with an enthusiasm not only for bridge but for the many activities which take place during the camp. Adept at dealing with problems, she was frequently the first on hand when an emergency arose. She was nominated in vast numbers by players from every corner of the globe, evidence of her deserved popularity. Her behaviour both at and away from the table was in accordance with the now firmly established traditions of the camp. Her performance was simply ‘dynamite’. Aged 24 she works in an office in Copenhagen. Please come forward, Mette Drøgemüller of Denmark.
	Daniel STANGHELLE Norway Our second candidate is Scandinavian. Another veteran of the camps, but still facing many years as a junior he is blessed with the ability to make new friends seemingly at will. His standard answer to every request is ‘No problem’. He has earned the respect of his fellow participants by his behaviour both at and away from the table. He has a deserved reputation for maintaining contact with his newly found colleagues, even crossing continents for a game of bridge. It is a mark of his popularity that he is best known by his nickname, by now familiar to you all. Aged 20 and still a student, please step forward, ‘Snus’, alias Daniel Stanghelle of Norway.
	Schelte WIJMA The Netherlands Our first award goes to a participant from one of the ‘low’ countries. In many ways this person typifies the characteristics embodied in a successful candidate. Friendly towards their fellow participants and willing to take part in every event, always with a different partner or group, with the prime objective being to have a good time, regardless of the outcome. This behaviour has been in evidence at a number of camps, but now the junior career of the recipient of this award is almost at an end. Aged 24, he works for an Insurance Company in the field of computers. Please welcome the Netherlands Schelte Wijma.
	Daniel ZAGORIN USA Our third award goes across the water. Its recipient proved to be one of the friendliest inhabitants of the camp. Conversations with his fellow participants quickly established that beneath his somewhat exuberant exterior lay a warm sense of humour and considerable personality. His kindness towards his partners at the table and his willingness to accept the blame endeared him to everyone. The stories of his homeland, relating to both his life and his bridge adventures never failed to be of interest. Aged 25, practically an ‘oldie’ he trades grain futures at the Chicago Board of Trade. Congratulations, Daniel Zagorin of the USA.

1995 Awards

	Andrei MIHAILESCU Switzerland Our first award goes to someone who typifies the definition of a suitable candidate: cheerful, outgoing, and helpful, with an enthusiasm for both the game of bridge and life in general, which is infectious. This candidate was nominated by players of several different nationalities. He has taken trouble to assist in improving things, both big and small, without being too critical. He speaks several languages, and has been one of the most helpful people in the Camp. He participates fully in the activities but has also found time to write articles for the Daily Bulletin, and clean up the room at the end of play. Aged 23, he is studying medicine at the University of Lausanne. We welcome Andrei Mihailescu of Switzerland.
	Henrik RON Denmark Our next candidate is a veteran of the Camps and this is not the first time he has been nominated. His serious and sometimes cynical demeanor hides a great sense of humour and a deep commitment to junior bridge. He knows instinctively where to draw the line between sensible behavior and youthful high spirits. He is highly respected by the other participants. He is a fine player and his contributions to the organization has been of great value. He helped greatly in the promotion of this first World Junior Camp and has already indicated his willingness to work for juniors when too old to be a participant. Aged 25, he is studying maths and computer science at the University of Århus. Congratulations, Henrik Røn of Denmark.
	Tony SETO USA The biggest group at this camp is from North America. Newcomers take time to fit in with the right spirit of the Camp. Here co-operation is much more important than competition. However, one player seemed at once to suit the Camp. An outgoing, friendly and open nature immediately tells you he is that rarity, a completely genuine person. He is a very suitable candidate to be the first from outside Europe to win a WBF Youth Award. Although not a leading player, he has a reputation back home for helping younger players in his District, as well as for his general contribution to the community – and we are expecting more from him when we organize a Camp in North America. He has represented his college at swimming and water polo. Aged 23, he is a Sociology graduate from the University of Santa Barbara in California. We are speaking of Tony Seto of the USA.
	Shelley UNGER Austria Our final candidate has been to three Camps, and has grown each time closer to the spirit we seek to recognize with this award. More nominations were received for this person than any other. Friendly and ever cheerful, this candidate has been particularly helpful to some of the shyest members of the Camp: finding them partners, answering their questions, and encouraging them to participate and learn. Back home there are many young players who have benefited from her advice and half-a-dozen are here to prove her record of success. She has also assisted in organizing the social activities at the Camp. Aged 21, she is the youngest of our candidates. Austria can be proud of Shelley Unger.

1993 Awards

	Panos PAPADOPOULOS Greece This is the second Camp for Panos Papadopoulos, 21, a man with an immediate friendliness and openness towards even the most complete stranger. This allows him to mix easily with people of every nationality. Any disaster at the bridge table is met as readily with his engaging smile as success, and he always has a cheering word for partner. He is a member of one of the largest contigents here, but the personality of Panos Papadopoulos of Greece stands out.
	Marco PENGOV France Marco Pengov, 24, is a man with strength, yet a gentle and ready humour. His determination in attending three Camps has surmounted many obstacles. He shows an interest in all other nationalities. If you ask for his assistance you can be sure that nothing is too much trouble. And even if you do not ask, you can expect an offer. His age prevents him from attending the next Camp as a Junior. His solo performance at the show in Fiesch was memorable, so we are glad he could stay until the end: to achieve this he persuaded the army to change the time of his return. Our hearts are heavy when we say farewell to Marco Pengov of France.
	Brian POWELL Great Britain Brian Powell, 23, is the only representative of his country, and showed considerable initiative in getting here. In a quiet way, and with humour, he has become someone everyone knows, testifying to his ability to make friends with all nationalities, and every type of character. He is a good bridge player who will happily partner the less experienced players and make them feel at ease. We think it is difficult to find a better ambassador for junior bridge than Brian Powell of Great Britain.
	Ruth SORRELL Israel Ruth Sorrell, 22, has a gentle, quiet, almost shy demeanour which hides a strong determination to help others. She volunteered, unprompted, to assist the Bulletin Editor and then worked enthusiastically for hours. When she came to the Camp in Poland she was a pioneer for her country, surmounting the advice of some who thought the Camp was only for the expert player. She won our hearts then with her charm and helpfulness, and retains our affection now. Just as she always shows an interest in other people, we hope the bridge world will now note the great qualities in the character of Ruth Sorrell of Israel.

1991 Awards

	Lennart HEIP Belgium Although quiet, and a person you might not expect to notice in a crowd, nevertheless he attracts your attention with his very friendly attitude and charming smile. He is always interested in others and likes to mix with people from other countries, trying all the time to make sure that they are happy and enjoying themselves. He is quite a good bridge player, but very modest about his own capabilities, and when his partner makes mistakes at the bridge table, never blames him but just tries to cheer him up. If you need someone to talk to, he is always there and willing to listen. Such friendship is valuable, such cheerfulness an enormous asset and we are so pleased to find them in the person of Lennart Heip of Belgium.
	Julia KORUS Germany It is always pleasing when a bridge player – particularly a good one, with every chance of doing well in the Tournaments – chooses to play with younger, inexperienced players, rather than with the better participants with whom it might be possible to win. This kindness and wish to encourage and bring on the weaker players combined with a gentle and positive attitude makes this person an ideal recipient of the WBF Award. Away from the bridge table, she has also demonstrated great thoughtfulness and a caring attitude for all participants in the Camp, whatever their position, age or nationality. Young players, wishing to learn but normally afraid of the better players, can all find shelter with Julia Korus of Germany.
	Stephan MAGNUSSON Switzerland A very positive personality, he has gained a reputation for being a well liked participant at Junior Camps. It has always been a great pleasure to have him at Junior events; this year he has risen to new heights by his great efforts to assist the organisers and ensure the smooth running of this event, but despite his work in this field he has still found the time to make good friends among the participants. He is always charming, courteous and ethical with partners and opponents alike and even when not playing bridge his calm attitude serves as an example to all. There is simply nothing separating friendliness and helpfulness on the one hand and Stephan Magnusson of Switzerland on the other.
	Peter PADE Denmark A most welcome newcomer to the world of bridge and a real sportsman. He learned the game only six months ago when he suffered an injury at basketball. He turned to bridge valuing the social aspect of the game; he came here to make friends and became everybody’s friend as a result. His kindness and amiability were seen by all as being quite remarkable. He has a wide range of interests which have served to develop in him a strength of purpose rarely seen in one of his age. Whatever you wish to talk about – history, art, social welfare and development but also sports, games and of course, bridge – he is able to contribute to the discussion in a knowledgeable way. The world of Junior Bridge is simply richer by having people like Peter Pade of Denmark.

1989 Awards

	Wim HENDRIKS The Netherlands At 24, he is not the sort of person who elbows his way into everybody’s life. He has what can only be described as an ‘extrovert shyness’, which starts with nobody noticing him at all and ends up with him knowing and being liked by everybody. He is another player who has participated in previous Junior Camps, and has learned the importance of mixing with people of other nations. This year, instead of travelling with the Dutch players, he joined the German delegation, and at the end of the Camp intended to spend his holidays with his new friends from other countries. We all know that sometimes your partner gives you a hard time. He, however, is a gentle partner who never loses his self control. It is simply impossible not to like Wim Hendriks of the Netherlands.
	Andrew J. MERRISON Great Britain Now 24 years of age, he participated in the previous Junior Comp, and his pleasing and amiable personality was once again more than welcome. To talk about the empathy we all share with him would be quite unnecessary, as he is always surrounded by friends. He has a great sense of fun, displayed wherever he is to be found, and he is one of the ‘master minds’ of the Great British Show given at the end of each Camp. He is not only British, but more of an International character. When you meet him at the bridge table – or indeed anywhere throughout the Camp – you will find him bidding or conversing in German, French or any other language as the situation demands. Andrew John Merrison of Great Britain is a fine and gentle embodiment of the spirit of the Junior Camp.
	Witold TOMASZEK Poland He is 20 years old and was participating in a Junior Camp for the first time. Normally one would expect newcomers to take a day or two to adjust. Not so with him. From the very beginning he took an active role in everything that was going on in the Camp, mixing with players from other countries and making numerous friends. The smile never left his face. He was appreciated by everybody and he was constantly available to help whenever and wherever needed. It is very hard to think of a more ideal participant at a Junior Camp, or indeed of a better person to receive this special WBF award. The Junior Camps and the ideals they aim to achieve will be going from strength to strength as long as they have participants like Witold Tomaszek of Poland.
	Sergej ZERNOV U.S.S.R. He is 22 years old and has an outgo ing personality which enables him to make friends in an easy and natural way. At the bridge table he is an ideal partner and opponent: ethical, intelligent and considerate, and he is leaving the Camp with numerous new friends of many different nationalities. This was the first occasion on which the USSR and the USA had been present at a Junior Camp, and he was keen to partner Americans for the first tournaments. Communication posed few problems for him, and in his own way he contributed greatly to ‘bridging the gap’ between East and West. We can all learn and benefit from the example of Sergej Zernov of the U.S.S.R.

	Nicholas RODWELL Australia We start with someone who is one of life’s natural leaders. He always tries to make the best out of every situation, and is ready to help when needed, with a smile on his face. He has added an extra, cosmopolitan dimension to the camp. He is sociable, cheerful and extrovert, a pleasure to be around. He is also multi-talented, whether at sports or as a junior at bridge or as a business professional; his employer has spotted this, and allowed him an extensive holiday – this only three weeks after joining them!
	Rosaline BARENDREGT Netherlands Our second candidate has been as immediately visible as anyone at the camp if not just through her organizing skill, through her multi-coloured outfits.This candidate embodies the spirit of Junior Camp bridge; ever cheerful, employing initiative – particularly at organizing side events. Enthusiasm is this person’s middle name – it is visible in every thing she does. She gets on well with the other camp participants, and her personality and good nature shine through; she wants to have fun and for everyone else to enjoy themselves too.
	Steve DE ROOS Belgium Our third candidate has been a regular at camps for the best part of a decade. He has been recommended because he is always friendly and cheerful, to everyone, regardless of whether they are a good bridge player or not. His forte on this occasion has certainly ensured that everyone has had a good time. He put an enormous amount of time and effort (not to mention lost sleep!) in organizing additional tournaments for the bridge addicts, and the amazing attendance at these sessions was an indication of his success at this task. As one of his fans said, these games are an informal way for the members of camp to get to know one another, and stimulate the goals of the camp. So his success in this area makes him the perfect candidate for an award.
	Joe GRUE U.S.A. And finally… the number of people who voted for our fourth nominee makes it clear what an exceptional personality this candidate really is. Everyone aggrees that he is a really cool guy, always happy to hang out, and have a conversation with anyone. He participates in all the activities, plays both sport and bridge competitively, but still manages to have a great time. He has great manners at the bridge table; he may be the best player at the camp but he never shows it. He is funny, friendly and genuine and always good-natured, willing to play with weaker players, and take care of the younger players and treat them as an equal, ready to explain anything when asked, but not to criticize. During a team-game he went to great lengths to ensure that he played with all three of his less experienced teammates.