The National Bridge Congress is being held for the second time ever in Mount Maunganui until the end of the month.
Kicking off last Saturday, September 23, this is the 37th time New Zealand Bridge has hosted the National Bridge Congress and will run until Saturday, September 30.
While the game may not be physically challenging, bridge is not for the faint of heart. Players practice for hours each day and will need to be at their mental peak for competition as they concentrate and count cards for 10 hours a day – eight days straight!
"We are really happy to bring back the National Bridge Congress to Mount Maunganui," says NZ Bridge Congress manager and Mount Maunganui Bridge Club captain Teri Logie.
"It is a testament to the region's appeal and the strong Bridge community that exists here. This event is a celebration of our game, and we look forward to providing players, both seasoned and aspiring, with an unforgettable week of Bridge, camaraderie, and skill-building opportunities."
The congress will see a mix of players including Adam Kaplan, 27-year-old Bridge professional from NYC, the Bridge Black team, members of the Australian national team and bridge newcomers.
Normally hosting more than 700 players, this year's national congress has attracted international players as it is the first time the congress has been included in the World Bridge Tour.
NZ Bridge Events manager Bridget Hannaway, who has also been competing this week expects the congress will boost tourism in our region.
'The scenic coastal location of Mount Maunganui adds to the attraction, offering people an opportunity to enjoy the local environment and hospitality during their downtime,” says Bridget.
"Throughout the congress, participants can expect an exciting line up of tournaments, challenging competitions, and social events designed to foster connections and promote the sharing of bridge knowledge. We are very grateful to have received funding support from Tourism BOP, Tauranga City Council, TECT and the NZ Bridge Foundation, to hold this event.”