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Champagne Celebrates Go Congress Contest Win

“Watching a young player, whose feet didn't even touch the floor, cling to his teddy bear while he beat opponent after opponent…sitting with Noni Redmond in North Carolina as she patiently taught an interesting craft to other non-players…the lack of greens on the menu in Rochester….the whitewater rafting kayak trip in the Chicago River when one of the players went overboard and had to get decontaminated…the players and non-players whom I've met and whom I look forward to seeing year after year after bloody year.” These U.S. Go Congress memories won Laura Champagne the recent 2012 Go Congress Registration Story Contest -- and a free Congress meal plan -- when her submission was selected at random from those sent in. Meanwhile, go players continue to sign up for the August 4-12 Go Congress in Black Mountain, NC at a record-setting pace, organizers report. “So if you’re planning to come and still have not registered and reserved your rooms, you should do so now!” says Congress Co-Director Paul Celmer. Registration prices go up in June, he notes. And with well over 400 go enthusiasts planning to attend, the first-ever North American Go Symposium – free for Congress attendees – and lots of other great go activities, including the inaugural AGA Pro Certification Tournament, which ends just as the Congress begins, “you have a fantastic chance of meeting some of the most interesting and enjoyable people on the planet!” - photo: Michael Redmond (l) & Nakayama Noriyuki at the 2006 U.S. Go Congress in Black Mountain, NC