Bridge is the ultimate trick-taking card game that is enjoyed by tens of million people throughout the world more so than any other card game. Much research has been done on how playing bridge can impact positively someone’s mental health and help the brain to stay young and healthy. A result of a study shows that the bridge players of the age 55-91 years old outperformed nonplayers in measures of working memory and reasoning. Senior citizens who play a board game may have a lower risk of having dementia than others.
That is why Dr. Khatib established a nonprofit Bridge Educational Center in Stuart, Florida. Aside from his enjoying bridge as a life master, regular player, club director, and bridge teacher, his financial support for several clubs and numerous tournaments have been a part of his lifelong projects and commitment.
For many years, Dr. Khatib and Georgie shared their love of duplicate bridge, and contributed greatly to their hobby by supporting local tournaments, administering games and subsidizing new player education in both New York and Florida.
Georgie was highly active in the creation and operation of what was named the not-for-profit Khatib Bridge and Education Center. She chaired the Board and managed club activities for many years.
In 2024, Reza demonstrated his continuing support for the club – which will be a part of his legacy – by issuing a low-interest mortgage to the center.
At Khatib Bride Center during the pre-pandemic era, senior citizens enjoyed playing in-person games and receiving free educational lessons in Bridge. During the COVID epidemic, face-to-face play was mostly suspended. But through BRIDGEBASE and other on-line venues, players were able to continue the game they loved.
Today, face-to-face has resumed at most clubs nationwide, but the popularity and convenience of on-line play continues to attract players to local and tournament play.
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Other Recreational Pursuits
Reza has always relished recreational activities as well as work. As an active sportsman, Reza enjoyed golf for many years, and was the Yacht Club Commodore at Piper's Landing in Palm City, Florida for two years.
Reza also relished sporting indoors, with a major enthusiasm for Duplicate Bridge, a game he came to later life. His accomplishments in the Bridge World have been a major benefit to many in South Florida and in the New York metropolitan area that play the game. In Florida, Reza's namesake is The Khatib Bridge & Education Center in Stuart, Florida, where he was founder and remains the club's primary supporter.