By Duncan Mackay at the Beijing International Convention Centre

SportAccord President Marius Vizer today led a delegation from the World Mind Games to a school in Beijing ©SportAccordDecember 13 - SportAccord President Marius Vizer today led a delegation that included World Bridge Federation head Giovanni Arrigo Rona as the cultural and education programme of the World Mind Games continued here. 


They were accompanied by the Games' bridge ambassadors Fulvio Fantoni and Wang Wenfei to Beijing No. 5 high school where 12 of the sport's masters were paired off with 50 children. 

Bridge in schools included as part of Beijing's curriculum to develop youngsters' mental skills. 

"There is no better way to inspire children than to provide them with the possibility to meet their heroes and play with them live," said Vizer.

"SportAccord is happy to facilitate this enriching experience and invite the students to play against top players such as the bridge ambassadors."

Chinese youngsters took on top Go players at the SportAccord World Mind Games in Beijing ©SportAccordChinese youngsters took on top Go players at the SportAccord World Mind Games in Beijing ©SportAccord

Today's cultural programme began also included 20 children from Beijing elementary and middle school visiting the World Games Mind venue to take on some Xiangqi champions.

Xiangqi, sometimes called Chinese chess, is a strategy board game for two players and one of the most popular games in this country.

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