American Bridge Association to Hold Duplicate Bridge Tournament May 18-21

All bridge players are invited to participate in a four-day bridge tournament, May 18-21, 2017 at the Portland Airport Embassy Suites, 7900 NE 82nd Ave., sponsored by the local chapter of the American Bridge Association. Sessions start at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Thursday; 9 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday; and 9 a.m. Sunday (with a final session to be announced). The cost is $9 per session. Henry Irwin, National President  Travis Curry, Northwestern Section Vice President  Clariner Boston & Brenda Polk, Tournament Co-Chairs will officiate the tournament.

The American Bridge Association (ABA) is one of the oldest bridge organizations in the country.  Founded in 1932 at Buckroe Beach, Virginia, the ABA held its first national tournament there in 1933.  The founders were fun-loving and competitive African Americans whose previous efforts to play tournament bridge were frustrated by the overt racial discrimination of the time.  With a membership of approximately 3,000, there are over 100 ABA clubs in 25 states.  The ABA advocates bridge competitions and sponsors tournaments for playing duplicate bridge throughout the United States.  In addition, education is a high priority and the ABA awards 24 college scholarships annually.  The ABA is divided geographically and Washington, Oregon and Alaska comprise the Northwestern Section, which is hosting this event.  Organizers are expecting bridge players from across the country to attend and urge local bridge players to participate in this competition as well.