Montreal Summer 2020 NABC Cancelled

Dear Member,
 
Following a directive related to festivals and similar events issued by the Government of Québec on April 10, 2020 (coupled with the closing of the Palais des congrès de Montréal until September), the Summer 2020 North American Bridge Championships scheduled for July 16-26 in Montréal, Québec has been canceled. A copy of the directive may be found here.
 
Likewise, both the 2020 Youth NABC and Collegiate Bridge Bowl, also scheduled to be held this July in Montréal, have been canceled.
 
According to ACBL Executive Director Joseph Jones, “The cancellation of the Summer NABC is not entirely unexpected, but it is still extremely disappointing because I know the committee chair and the entire local committee worked very hard to make the NABC a great event for our players. And we are also disappointed that our young players will not be able to compete in their summer events.”
 
“The NABC local committee receives this news with an immense feeling of sadness,” stated local committee chair Jean La Traverse. “This was not the desired outcome for our event on which we had been have been working so hard for the past eight years. However, given the evolving situation of COVID-19 and the decision by the provincial government regarding all sports, festivals and cultural events, the decision is self-evident. The health and safety of our players, volunteers, ACBL employees, collaborators and partners is our top priority. The ACBL supports the government in its management of this unprecedented crisis and welcomes the measures deployed that are best aimed to protect our players’ health. Our team is already looking forward to rescheduling the Montréal NABC for a yet unknown date in the future.”
 
If you have already made a hotel reservation, Montréal host hotels will automatically cancel your reservation with no penalty. There is no need to contact the hotel.
 
While there are currently no plans to reschedule the Montréal Summer NABC, Youth NABC or Collegiate Bridge Bowl, Montréal will be seriously considered as a location in the future as dates become available. As of today, the Tampa Fall NABC (Nov. 26-Dec. 6) will be held as usual.
 
Thank you and stay safe,
ACBL Management
April 15, 2020