Card game Bridge’s failure to be recognised as a sport during a High Court battle this week has been branded a ‘disappointment’ by the Wimbledon Bridge Club.
Mr Juctice Dove ruled against the challenge from the English Bridge Union on Thursday to get Bridge recognised as a sport, and the union was disappointed about the decision.
Lousia Spawls, 56, who has been manager of the Wimbledon Bridge Club since 2012, told SW Londoner of her extreme disappointment at the news.
She said: “In my opinion it’s a big pity that my sport has not been recognised as one by Sport England.
“Our club gives a reason for people to get out of bed in the morning.
“It is a fantastic sport that keeps people’s minds going and is an extremely competitive game played at so many levels – just like football is.
Bridge is a trick-taking game played by four players in two competing partnerships which uses a standard 52-card pack.
The decision to deny Bridge the recognition of becoming a sport could have given clubs around the country a much-needed cash boost.
“Financially it would have given us a big benefit so in that respect it is so disappointing,” she admitted.
“We have 600 members and membership fees are the only money we make as we are a non-profit organisation so again it is frustrating.
“We have many volunteers so the lack of funding comes as such a pity.
“We have people of many ages joined up as members, including one member over a 100 and some in their 90s.”
For more information on the club visit: www. wimbledonbridgeclub.co.uk
