Michael Nehme (centre) excelled at the bridge championship with his team members Campbell and Nicola from Perth. Photo: Supplied.
Griffith Bridge Club is celebrating a proud moment as its youngest member, 14-year-old Michael Nehme, represented the club at the Australian Youth Bridge Championship in Canberra.
The nationwide championship is a weeklong event that is part of the annual summer festival of the strategy-based card game.
Competing against talented youth players from across Australia and New Zealand, Michael demonstrated strong technical skill, strategic thinking, and composure at the table. These qualities reflect both his dedication to the game and the high standard of coaching and support at Griffith Bridge Club.
“I had partners and teammates from Perth, Cooma, Mollymook and Canberra,” he said.
“I also played against the highest-ranked youth players who represent Australia on a national level.”
Michael’s achievement highlights the many hours of practice and commitment he has put into developing his bridge skills. He participated during four days of the weeklong tournament, playing in both pairs and team events. He contributed positively to both events, playing with and against many different players of mixed skill levels, resulting in an excellent learning experience.
“I was nervous on the first day, but once I started and realised that I could hold my own at the table, my confidence grew and I really enjoyed it,” he said.
Bridge is widely regarded as an excellent activity for young people, as it develops a range of valuable life skills. The game encourages logical thinking, problem-solving, and concentration, while also strengthening memory and numeracy skills.
As a partnership-based game, bridge teaches communication, teamwork, and trust, as well as good sportsmanship and resilience — skills that are highly transferable to academic study and everyday life.
Griffith Bridge Club members have expressed their congratulations, noting that Michael’s participation is an inspiration to other young players in the region. Club officials said they hoped his achievement would encourage more youth to take up the game and explore competitive bridge opportunities.
Michael said there was plenty more in the pipeline of his bridge journey.
“Well, I’m planning to return to Canberra next January. I now have a network of youth players and new friends from around Australia and have joined an online bridge club from Mollymook,” he said.
”I’ll continue playing with this group during the year. During school holidays I will partner with my grandma, Bev Furner, at the Griffith Bridge Club to get some face-to-face games in person.
“I’m still only a beginner; however, I would love to see some people my age join the Griffith Bridge Club.”
Griffith Bridge Club supports junior and youth development, and Michael’s involvement in the Australian Youth Bridge Championship stands as a testament to the success of those efforts but encourages more people in the local area to contact the club to help build a promising future for the game in the region.
