WBF President and Vice President Visit Hefei: Promoting Bridge Education and Exploring Future Cooperation
By Francesca Canali In News On 21st October 2025
World Bridge Federation President Franck Riehm and Vice President Eric Laurant visited Hefei, China, following the 2025 Buffett Cup.
The visit began with an inspiring exchange session hosted by Jianping Experimental Primary School (Nanyan Campus), under the theme “Show the Charm of Bridge, Welcome International Guests.” The event, coordinated by the Hefei Economic Development Zone Bridge Association, showcased how bridge is being integrated into the local school curriculum, combining classroom learning, club activities and competitions.
President Riehm and Vice President Laurant were accompanied by Ms. Yannan Wang and Ms. Lilian Sun, members of the WBF Executive Council representing China.
Together with local school leaders, teachers and students, they took part in the exchange session, witnessing firsthand the enthusiasm of young learners discovering bridge.
During the visit, President Riehm addressed the pupils with warmth and enthusiasm, recalling his own first steps in bridge and underlining the universal values of the game:
“Bridge is a language that connects people around the world. It teaches not only technique, but also friendship and understanding.”
He praised China’s pioneering role in introducing bridge into the education system, noting that “China is leading the way by showing how bridge can be an integral part of learning.”
The event concluded with a lively interaction between the students and the WBF delegation, who shared stories and ideas around the table, proving that bridge can transcend both language and age barriers.
During their staying in Hefei, President Riehm and Vice President Laurant met with Mr. Luo Yunfeng, Mayor of Hefei; Mr. He Fengyang, Vice Mayor; Mr. Luo Ping, Vice Chairman of the CPPCC Hefei Municipal Committee and Secretary-General of the Hefei Municipal People’s Government; Mr. Li Zhongsheng, Party Secretary of the Hefei Municipal Bureau of Sports; and Mr. Xiao Rangjian, Deputy Director of the Office of Foreign Affairs.
The meeting took place in a cordial and forward-looking atmosphere, exploring the possibility of Hefei serving as a future venue for World Bridge Federation events. President Riehm expressed appreciation for the city’s hospitality and vision, stressing the importance of cooperation between local governments and international federations in promoting the cultural and educational values of bridge.
