Source:WBF
The World Bridge Federation (WBF) is deeply saddened to announce the passing of its esteemed President, Jan Kamras.
Jan passed away peacefully, after a period of illness.
Jan served as President of the WBF with unwavering dedication and passion. Despite facing health challenges throughout his presidency, he demonstrated extraordinary strength and commitment and continued to work tirelessly, driven by his profound love for the game.
One of the goals of Jan’s presidency was to introduce the WBF World Tour, a ranking system based on cumulative performances at Bridge Championships, as well as select Festivals and Tournaments. The Trophy for the winners is named after Jan.
Jan was originally from Gothenburg, Sweden, but about a decade ago had moved to Tel Aviv, Israel. He was the Vice-President of the Swedish Bridge Federation from 2005 to 2016 and served, among other positions, as head of its National Team Selection Committee. He was the Captain of the Swedish National Open team 2001-2010. As a player he won the Swedish Team Championships in 2010 and was runner-up in 2011 and 2012. He won the prestigious Cavendish Teams in 2013.
Jan was elected to the European Bridge League Executive Committee in 2010. He was elected EBL Honorary Secretary and a member of the Presidential Council. He was the chairman of the Championships, IT, NBO Liaison and Master Points Committees and a member of the Finance, Material Procurement, Reviewer, Rules & Regulations, Special Investigations and Statutes Committees. He was elected EBL President in 2018.
In 2018 he was elected a member of the WBF Executive Council. In 2022 at the meeting held on 25th August in Wroclaw, Poland the WBF Executive Council unanimously elected him as President and he took up office on 1 January 2023.
The World Bridge Federation expresses its deepest condolences to Jan’s family and friends during this difficult time.
Message from Eric Laurant, 2nd WBF Vice President, EBL President
Eric Laurant
I’m deeply saddened by this devastating news. We all knew it would happen sooner rather than later but truth is, I’m not ready.
My time with Jan goes back 20 years when we both were captain of our national open teams. There was this immediate match that sometimes happens when you meet somebody new. When you meet a Friend.
Jan was elected in the executive committee of the EBL in 2010, I followed in 2012. Already in 2013 we prepared together a program to make the administration of European bridge more democratic, more transparent, and more efficient. Furthermore we aimed to bring down cheating and to improve the quality and organization of our tournaments. First in the EBL, later also in the WBF.
We are not there yet but I can say that thanks to Jan we have made big big steps.
Dear Jan, for me it’s clear, I will continue what we started together.
Thank you buddy.
Bernard Pascal
On behalf of the African Bridge Federation and Africa’s Bridge community, we express our sincere condolences to the World Bridge Federation and, in particular, to Jan’s family. We all remember the trust he expressed towards the African Bridge Federation and the Royal Moroccan Bridge Federation as well as the strong support provided for the organisation of the World Teams Championships in Marrakech in 2024 and we will always be grateful to him for it. Dear Jan : Rest in well deserved Peace
Bernard Pascal
