VIII. Gay Games Cologne 2010

70 participants from 13 countries age 20 to 80 years start in 4 categories and 2 performance classes in Bridge, which among experts is known as chess for card players. Particularly from the Netherlands and Germany top players registered for the competition held in the Wolkenburg in the city centre. As 35th and last, Bridge was added last-minute to the many competitions held during the Gay Games VIII Cologne 2010, which made the bridge fans very happy.

Different to other card games Bridge, besides chess, checkers, and Go counts to the elitist’s circle of mental exercises recognized by the IOC and now belong to the “Members of family”. In 2008 in Peking even a “Mind Sports” Olympics took place under the roof of the IOC. In Germany, friends of bridge still wait for the recognition by the Deutschen Sportbund, while in other countries like Italy they are already members of the Olympic Committee.

One of the best German players is the 46 year old Stefan Back from Heidelberg, who plays bridge since 30 years. As a passionate reader of Agatha Christie crime novels, he liked to learn the much mentioned, in England well loved card game. Out of it grew a real love affair and passion which lead to 4 championship titles. At yesterday´s pair game he won the bronze medal together with his partner Gordon Kolling. Having finished his tournament he is happy to be able to watch other competitions now. So far he could only visit the villages at the Neumarkt and the Rudolfplatz and enjoy the awesome atmosphere. There are some things provided “for the eyes” he accentuates grinning. For him, as he says, another summer fairytale became true.
 

More photos can be found at http://www.qubesport.net/photos