English/Español Sommaire français en pages 13 et 14

September - December 2009 Volume 37 Number 3 Official Official Publication of the International Federation Show your support for the Olympic reinstatement campaign.

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An Initiative Of INTERNATIONAL SOFTBALL FEDERATION 1900 So. Park Road • Plant City, FL 33563 USA Telephone: (+1.813) 864.0100 • Fax: (+1.813) 864.0105 President’s Message

Published at the Secretariat of the International Softball Federation

Executive Council President Don E. Porter Secretary General Andrew S. Loechner, Jr. uly, August, and September were big and important months for softball First Vice President Clovis M. Lodewijks with many regional and world competitions being played and, in conclusion, all were successful. Deputy Secretary General Ms. Low Beng Choo J

Vice Presidents Not only the competitive side has been successful but the sport’s Africa Marumo Morule development continues to make inroads into many countries with new Asia Steven S. W. Huang national federations being formed and active competitions being started. Masanori Ozaki Europe Mrs. Jelena Cusak Mike Jennings While the sport continues its efforts in development it will also continue Dr. Fernando Jorge Aren to work to bring back Olympic recognition, which to-date has seen four Jesús Suniaga Olympiads where overall softball was successful in giving Olympic dreams Dale McMann and opportunities to numerous young athletes. Oceania Bob Leveloff Council Members at Large Beatrice Allen Annie Constantinides As softball continues to expand on a global basis it will take more effort Meliton Sanchez and work by member federations and the International Softball Federation Ms. Fridah Shiroya to find support at the national, regional, and world levels in sustaining the Athlete Representative Ms. Peta Edebone sport in its quest to bring back Olympic status. INTERNATIONAL SOFTBALL FEDERATION 1900 So. Park Road Plant City, FL 33563 USA Telephone: (1.813) 864 01 00 Fax: (1.813) 864 01 05

Maison du Sport International Avenue de Rhodaine 54 1007 Lausanne Switzerland Telephone: (41.21) 601 6387 www.internationalsoftball.com Unless otherwise noted, all stories written by World Softball Magazine Editor Bruce R. Wawrzyniak, ISF Director of Communications. Spanish translation: Teresa Mulqueen Advertising rates available upon request. Although advertising is screened, acceptance of the advertisement does not necessarily imply ISF endorsement of the product.

Cover photos, left to right: (top row) by John Corley, (Photo courtesy of YWC Organizing Committee) Martin Salajka, Murray Johnson, (middle row) Vision ISF President Don Porter speaking in Quest, Shanon Melnyk, courtesy of Kaohsiung the in August during Organizing Committee, (bottom row) Jose M. Peñalver, the Opening Ceremony of the Easton David Adiel, courtesy of JSA Foundation Youth Softball . Cups Full Of Softball In Four Countries Calendar of Events Pgs. 4-5

2009 – SYDNEY, AUS.; OCTOBER 10-18 XXIV ISF CONGRESS – MARGARITA ISLAND, VEN.; OCTOBER 22-25 9TH (Men’s & Women’s Softball, Dec. 6-10) – SAN PEDRO SULA, ; DECEMBER 4-12

2010 IX (Women’s Softball) – MEDELLIN, COL.; MARCH 10-21 ISF XII WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP – OKLAHOMA, USA; JULY 16-26 XXI CENTRAL AMERICAN & CARIBBEAN GAMES (Men’s & Women’s Softball) – MAYAGUEZ, PR; JULY 17-AUGUST 1 3RD WORLD UNIVERSITY SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP – MACERATA, ITA.; AUGUST 16TH (Women’s Softball) – GUANGZHOU; CHN.; NOVEMBER 12-27

‘Games’ Put Softball On Five Continents Pg. 7

The host, , was one of 20 countries represented at the VII Pan American Softball Championship for Women. Their team was able to celebrate a bronze medal finish. (Photo by Jose M. Peñalver) Behind The Plate Pg. 11 Aussie Men Complete Ascent

ith the success that national Humble) and one (0.79 for Folkard and exclusive online content was (and still is) softball teams from Australia have 0.00 for Andrew Kirkpatrick). available via the ISF’s YouTube channel, Whad over the last ten years or so, Of course the biggest winners were in the form of post-game player and it’s hard to believe that as recently as the fans, who packed Bob Van Impe coach interviews. 1988 their men’s squad was just playing Stadium in Saskatoon (Saskatchewan, Other highlights from the tournament in the International Softball Federation included Venezuela Men’s World Championship for the having finished fifth, first time. After all, the first-ever world after they came in championship of any kind for softball, eleventh place at the the women’s, was held way back in 1965 last edition of this in, yup, Australia. event. They would And with the way the men’s team – and finish round robin maybe even more so their junior men’s play in Saskatoon team – has been looking this decade, it with three of the top was natural to assume that their program five leaders in batting has been around just as long. average. At the ISF X Men’s World Championship In addition, a team in 2000 in South Africa, the Aussies like Botswana, who finished with a 3-4 won-lost record in finished 1-6, showed round robin play, and then four years (Photo by Shanon Melnyk) resiliency in not only later their first medal finish was achieved Capacity crowds were the norm at Bob Van Impe Stadium getting their first throughout the tournament. when they took home the bronze from victory after an 0-6 the 15-nation event. start by defeating Now they have reached the summit. Oh, eventual playoff Canada) beyond capacity. They even got and in what grand fashion they did so. participant Great Britain, 5-1, but in to see their team finish third out of the having played an extremely close game Not only did the Aussie Steelers defeat 16 countries that competed over those with four place finisher USA, who won the defending world champions (New ten days in July. Canada’s bronze medal just 2-1 in their round robin game versus Zealand’s Black Sox) in the 2009 gold finish came by virtue of an 8-5 loss to Botswana. medal game, but they were near perfect New Zealand that sent the Black Sox on Fireworks in the form of home runs kept in doing so! to face the Aussies in the tournament’s fans entertained, specifically from the Two walks issued were all that separated last game, which oddsmakers would’ve bat of Puerto Rico’s Eduardo Galarza, pitcher Adam Folkard from a perfect surely installed the former as the favorites for. But Folkard was not to be stopped as he set down the last 16 batters in a row after having started the game with a lead-off walk and then issued another base-on-balls with two outs in the top of the second inning. Scores of viewers around the world got to watch the excitement of the two medal (Photo by Shanon Melnyk) ‘Games’ Put Softball Australia shut down the New Zealand bats in the gold games thanks to television medal game, making something like this pop-up an broadcasts done to 60 countries. (Photo by Shanon Melnyk) accomplishment for the Kiwis. Rogers Sportsnet in Canada This close play at first base in what was a On Five Continents showed them throughout the close game (8-6 over Puerto Rico) exemplifies the excitement that was the 2009 host country, while Eurosport 2 beamed game in his team’s 5-0 title game victory. Men’s World Championship. Pg. 7 the Australia-New Zealand showdown He struck out ten Kiwi batters and Aaron to 58 countries, who got the game Cockman went 2-for-2 at the plate with four different times. They also made it who batted .529 during round robin play, two runs batted in to lead the Australian available on mobile devices as well as including five balls hit out of the park offense. online via the Eurosport Player. And, For those that preferred watching hitters It’s important to remember that the team New Zealanders saw both medal games held at bay there was the pitching of that took the silver medals in defeat thanks to Maori Television, who also Great Britain’s James Darby, who threw had been the three-time defending ISF plans to air a Black Sox documentary 24 innings, the most during round robin men’s world champions. This was no filmed in part at the 2009 tournament in play, over which time he struck out 34 small accomplishment for Australia, who, Saskatoon. batters, a figure topped only by Adam arguably, reached the pinnacle thanks There was also live webstreaming of all Folkard’s 41. to three pitchers that combined for a 66 games throughout the tournament. 9-1 won-lost record and had earned run In addition, Pg. 11 averages under two (1.68 for Adam Continued to page 4 Behind The Plate 3 Cups Full Of Softball In Four Countries nother year, another successful .400), Jennifer Yee (.395), and Caitlin the seventh, her teammates responded Canada Cup. Lever (.371) combined with the pitching offensively. With one out in the bottom AThe 16th edition of the annual of Danielle Lawrie (55 strikeouts in 50� half of the inning, Natasha Watley scored event in British Columbia this year innings) and Jenna Caira (0.00 earned on a sacrifice fly to left field, followed by featured the likes of Australia, Canada, run average over 21 innings pitched) in a Jennie Finch at-bat that saw her reach the Netherlands, USA, and Venezuela, a silver medal finish. Canada battled first base on a fielder’s choice while the plus American and Canadian club teams back from a 4-4 won-lost record in round winning run was scoring in the person of going head-to-head at “Softball City.” robin play to go 3-1 in the first four . playoff games, including a 6-0 victory To the delight of the fans who every 4 over Venezuela that put them into the year continue to pack the facility, the Almost immediately thereafter (less than title game. host nation put its best cleat forward. a week) the World Cup of Softball 4 The trio of Victoria Hayward (batted Facing Team USA the Canadians quickly tournament took place in Oklahoma City overcame a (USA). Like the run scored Canada Cup, by the the World Cup Americans of Softball is in the an invitational bottom of event the fifth by sanctioned putting up by the two runs in International the top of Softball the sixth. Federation However, and this year’s after U.S. lineup included pitcher Cat Australia, Osterman (Photo by Murray Johnson) Canada, Italy,

(Photo by Vision Quest) The site of next year’s ISF XII Women’s World struck out Japan, the Team Canada’s Jenn Salling won Championship, the stadium in Oklahoma City was all three Netherlands, a silver medal at the Canada Cup Team another softball venue in 2009 packed with fans watching international softball, in this case the World and Team USA. less than two months after having Canada played on the national champion Cup of Softball 4. This one was batters in college team in the U.S. all Team USA the top of as they finished unbeaten for the gold Aussie Men Complete Ascent continued from page 3 medal. Like the Canada Cup finish, however, it was not without a strong The volunteers, the organizing committee, and Mother Nature were additional challenge in the last game. high points for an event that garnered terrific media coverage, including the front page of the host city’s newspaper everyday. The host team took a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the third inning, only to see Certainly there will be lasting memories from Saskatoon to Australia. Australia’s Stacey Porter come right Re-live the tournament, starting from http://www.internationalsoftball.com/ back in the top of the fourth with a english/latest_news/mwc09_gfinal.asp solo home run that cut the lead to two runs. However, that would be all the FINAL ORDER OF FINISH: offense the Aussies would have left as U.S. pitchers and Cat 1. Australia Osterman shut down the visitors’ bats 2. New Zealand the rest of the way. 3. Canada Canada finished as the event’s bronze 4. USA medalists. 5. Venezuela 6TH JAPAN CUP 6. Japan Next up came the 6th Japan Cup, 7. Argentina featuring Australia, Chinese Taipei, Japan, and USA. The women’s fast 8. Great Britain pitch tournament in Sendai offered a 9. Czech Republic chance for fans there to see half of the 10. participants from last year’s Olympic 11. Denmark softball competition in China, including (Photo by Shanon Melnyk) their country’s national team, which won 12. Puerto Rico A Mexico baserunner (green uniform) gold at the 2008 Games in Beijing. 13. Botswana rounds second base while a Botswana infielder (foreground) charges into Last year’s highest podium finish came 14. Mexico position. by virtue of a victory over Team USA, 15. South Africa who turned the tables by getting past continued to page 5 16. Indonesia 4 Cups Full of Softball continued from page 4 Japan, 2-0, in the gold medal game tournament featured eleven countries. The tournament featured broadcasts of the 2009 Japan Cup. Jennie Finch Japan and Puerto Rico were the two by Czech National TV and culminated both pitched a complete-game shutout that stood out as favorites after they with ISF Secretary General Andy with eight strikeouts and drove in both each finished round robin play with Loechner and the Czech Republic’s Mr. of her team’s runs with a first inning unbeaten records (5-0). As the playoffs Marek Benda (Member of Parliament) progressed, they continued their presenting the gold medals during success… until. Closing Ceremonies. Puerto Rico finally met defeat when the Based on the event’s success, plans are Netherlands won an extra-inning affair, already being made for a tournament 5-4, to send the Dutch on to face Japan of a similar nature next year at the ISF’s in the gold medal game, leaving Puerto world headquarters complex in Plant Rico as the bronze medalists. City, Florida. And based on all four of The Netherlands had made an the events reported on here, softball impressive playoff run after having tournaments around the world are sure been 3-2 in round robin play. Their to continue growing in popularity and Cinderella story would not have a participation for years to come.

Youth World Cup final order of finish:

(Photo courtesy of JSA) 1. Japan Chinese Taipei got ten hits and outlasted Australia in this 2. Netherlands Japan Cup game, 4-3. 3. Puerto Rico 4. Dominican Republic double to seal the win. 5. Canada Australia picked up another medal by 6. Czech Republic finishing third. (Photo by Martin Salajka) 7. Venezuela That tournament began at the end 8. Italy of July and finished in the first days of August, which would also be the The Netherlands and Puerto Rico went head-to-head 9. Russia time that the Easton Foundation Youth (almost literally in this photo) for the right to advance to 10. China the gold medal game at the Youth World Cup. Softball World Cup took place (Aug. 11. South Africa 9-16). YOUTH WORLD CUP happy ending, however, as Japan posted a big shutout victory when it Held in Prague, Czech Republic, the counted the most. (age) 16-and-under girls’ fast pitch Netherlands, , & USA Claim Regional Titles Regional championships and/or 2010 fourth inning and added an insurance including Lucie Petraskova, who hit .548 world championship berths were on the tally in the bottom of the sixth while (17-for-31) over nine games. line at events that took place in Spain, Dagmar Bloeming pitched a complete- The tournament was rounded out as Belgium, and Venezuela in July. game, two-hitter with three strikeouts. follows: 4th place – Russia, 5th place The XVI European Championship Great Britain had advanced to the title – Germany, 6th place – Italy, 7th place Women “A” featured ten teams and game with a 6-1 win over the Czech – , 8th place – Spain, 9th place spots in next year’s marquee ISF event Republic that left the latter with the – France, 10th place – . for the top three finishers. bronze medals, but also gave them a Meanwhile, at the same time that the Played every two years, this event was berth – along with the Dutch and the tournament in Spain was taking place, last seen in 2007 in the Netherlands Brits – in next year’s ISF XII Women’s eleven teams were contesting the VIII where Italy took the title. The 2009 World Championship in Oklahoma European Championship Women “B” in edition was held in Valencia, Spain, (USA). Morgan Parkerson had the big Hoboken, Belgium. hit for Great Britain, smacking a bases- and had a surprise finish in that the For the local fans attending the loaded double to right center field defending champions did not medal this tournament, there was plenty to cheer in the bottom of the third inning that time around. about. would provide all the offense her team The Dutch team set the standard would need en route to the victory. Belgium won all eight of their games, this time around, going undefeated including a big 10-1 victory over The Czechs actually outhit the winners, throughout the entire tournament, Sweden in the event’s title game. Third 6-5, and not only could take solace in finishing with a 9-0 (won-lost) record, place finisher , whom Sweden still getting a world championship berth including a 4-0 win over Great Britain defeated 7-2 to set up their showdown in defeat, but also in having three of the in the gold medal game. The winners with the host team, was the closest European tournament’s top five hitters, put up three runs in the bottom of the challenge for the Belgians, having taken 5 continued to page 6 Regional Titles continued from page 5 And from big runs in the bottom of the third and to bigger to fourth innings to avenge a loss to biggest, the VII Canada two days earlier by the same Pan American score. Softball Canada had earned a berth in the title Championship game with a big shutout victory over for Women Venezuela in a match-up of what had took place been two unbeaten teams. Winning in Venezuela pitcher Jenna Caira threw a no-hitter with 20 teams and struck out nine Venezuelan batters participating. A in a five-inning (run-ahead rule) victory lot was on the that saw Sheena Lawrick lead the line besides offensive charge with two home runs. just regional Venezuela would then lose to the U.S., bragging rights. 2-0, before the Americans topped The tournament Canada in the gold medal game. not only brought with it

(Photo by Jose M. Peñalver) berths in next Being called ‘out’ by the umpire as she slides into second is a year’s ISF XII baserunner from the , one of 20 teams that Women’s World competed in the VII Pan American Softball Championship for Women. Championship but the 2011 in Mexico AND them to a one-run decision (a 12-11 the 2010 Central American & Caribbean Belgium win) on the second-last day of Games! play. The event began with elaborate The host team also landed the opening ceremonies attended by 15,000 tournament’s individual awards. spectators and ended with a victory Belgium’s Nathalie Hosten won the by the U.S. team, who actually didn’t Best Batter honor, while teammates even need a top five finish in order Veronique Van Braeken and Patty Van to guarantee a spot in next year’s ISF Wymelbeke earned the Best Pitcher tournament, since they get an automatic and Most Valuable Player awards, entry as the host country. respectively. However, they can call themselves The final order of finish beyond the top champions of the following three was as follows: Israel (4th place), a 3-1 victory over Canada that was led Ukraine (5th), (6th), by a complete-game, seven-strikeout (7th), Poland (8th), Switzerland (9th), pitching performance from Monica Hungary (10th), and Denmark (11th). Abbott. The U.S. broke a 1-1 tie with

The final order of finish for the VII Pan American Softball Championship for Women (www. panamericanoaraguasf2009.com.ve) was as follows: 1. USA (2010 WWC host)² 11. Mexico (2011 Pan Am Games host) 2. Canada¹ ² 12. ³ 3. Venezuela¹ ² ³ 13. 4. Cuba¹ ² ³ 14. Netherlands Antilles 5. Argentina¹ ² 15. British Virgin Islands 6. Dominican Republic¹ ² ³ 16. 7. Puerto Rico² ³ 17. 8. ³ 18. Jamaica 9. ³ 19. 10. ³ 20. ¹ - qualified for ISF XII Women’s World Championship (in addition to the host team) ² - qualified for 2011 Pan American Games (in addition to the host team) ³ - qualified for 2010 Central American & Caribbean Games

6 ‘Games’ Put Softball On Five Continents uring the cover dates of the was published, additional details the event will go to Belfast, Northern previous issue of World Softball remained online at www.maccabiah. Ireland. D the sport was a part of three com. Softball is on the programme of different multi-sport games on as many No sooner was that competition drawing approximately 15 different multi-sport continents, and before 2009 ends there to a close than was the women’s games. During the cover dates of this will be two more that will showcase the fast pitch softball tournament in the edition of World Softball, the scene sport in a pair of other regions. beginning in Taiwan. will shift to Sydney, Australia, for the The 18th were Participating there were held in mid-July in Israel, where both teams from Canada, Chinese men’s and women’s softball was Taipei, Japan, (South) Korea, played. Known to some as the “Jewish Russia, and Singapore. In addition to International Softball Federation President Don Porter, Deputy Secretary General Ms. Low Beng Choo (Malaysia), and VP/ North America Dale McMann (Canada), numerous VIPs visited (Photo courtesy of Kaohsiung Organizing Committee) A Japan player goes airborne to make a play in a game the softball games. The during the softball competition at the World Games. competition also had

(Photo by David Adiel) tremendous attendance spectator- Venezuela’s third baseman is in position as a pitch wise, plus audiences at home for 7th World Masters Games. Teams is thrown in his team’s game against USA at the the two medal games, which were from eleven countries were set to Maccabiah Games. televised. participate in the softball competition, which was to be the second-largest The host team appeared to be the Olympics,” the quadrennial event had sport in the Games in terms of the total ‘favorite,’ having won all five of their 31 sports as part of its 2009 edition, number of athletes out of the 28 sports preliminary round games. However, with almost 7,500 athletes taking part. being contested from October 10- despite having beaten them 6-0 earlier Softball first became a part of the event 18. Organizers indicated just over 200 in the tournament, Chinese Taipei lost in 1981 and this year had participants registered softball teams, which projects to Japan, 2-1, in a nine-inning playoff from Argentina, Canada, Israel, Mexico, to an actual number of softball players game. USA, and Venezuela. between 2500 and 2800. The games They turned things around the next Men’s play concluded with high drama were to be played at Blacktown Olympic day, though, with a 7-0 victory over as each of the two medal games was Park, the site of the 2000 Olympic Korea that left the latter with the bronze decided by one run. The U.S. team softball competition. medals and advanced Chinese Taipei outlasted Mexico, 9-8, to leave the latter to a rematch with Japan for the gold with the bronze medals and send the medal. However, Japan broke a 2-2 tie Americans on to the gold medal game. with a pair of runs in the seventh inning Canada, however, was waiting with an to win 4-2. unbeaten record and kept that mark intact, winning 2-1 to finish with a won- The multi-sport games spotlight then lost mark of 10-0. swung to North America where the World Police & Fire Games were taking The women’s side was a somewhat place. Featuring modified version of that finish, however. men’s, women’s, There it was the Canadian team that and coed fell in a game that left them with the entries, a total bronze medals, being defeated, 7-1, by of 48 teams Argentina, who then advanced to the took part in gold medal game, only to then be on the softball the wrong end of another big decision, competition a 16-0 victory for the Americans. The in British women’s team from the U.S. had a Columbia. To close out the year and softball’s perfect 8-0 record. The multi-sport continued global presence at multi-sport There was also a Men’s Masters division event was established in 1985 and games, both men’s and women’s play is (age 35-and-over), which saw Venezuela takes place every other year. Past host set for the 9th Central American Games as the bronze medalists after a loss to countries have included the likes of in December in Honduras. Canada, who then was defeated by the Australia, Spain, and Sweden. The 2011 Stay tuned in 2010. Softball will U.S. in the gold medal game. World Police & Fire Games will be held continue at more multi-sport events in At the time this issue of World Softball in New York City and two years later more countries! 7 BackSoftball Followed Its Blueprint o many people have been so hard all of whom would be part of the World Cup of Softball 4 in Oklahoma at work in numerous countries and presentation. In addition, ISF VP/North City (USA). Sinitiatives that it’s easy to forget America and BackSoftball Co-Chair Those attending the numerous that Olympic reinstatement efforts were Dale McMann (Canada) was on-hand, international softball tournaments needed because of events from now as were Athlete Ambassadors Gergana weren’t the only ones getting exposed more than four years ago. While not Handjiyska (Bulgaria), Jessica Mendoza to the sport though. BackSoftball’s as far in the past, the branding of those (USA), and Michele Smith (USA), plus ISF efforts as ‘BackSoftball’ came two years Director General Tamara “Toma” later (and, coincidentally, two years Malikoff. ago now) accompanied by a ten-point The presence in the ‘Olympic blueprint. capital’ was bolstered by the While there was plenty of time to surprise attendance of HRH execute the two hands full of goals, one Prince Feisal al Hussein, who could almost argue that most if not all of changed his travel plans to divert them were certainly exemplified in the to Lausanne to show support for middle-third of 2009 alone! softball. Since the last issue of World Softball, There was no time to rest representatives of the Olympic following that presentation, reinstatement campaign covered lots however, as a similar opportunity of ground – literally – in the lead-up to would be afforded in early July the International Olympic Committee’s in Nigeria at the Association of Executive Board meeting in August in National Olympic Committees Berlin. of Africa General Assembly. The period from May-August was chock There, Mr. Porter, ISF VP/Africa full of activity that spoke to one or more Marumo Morule (Botswana), of the initiatives, starting with efforts to and, again, Lynn Alexander reach out to more young people, which delivered a speech - highlighted is what current and former softballers by multimedia - to the delegates (Photo by Vision Quest) ISF VP/North America & BackSoftball Task from the Netherlands and Japan did. on the worldwide achievements BackSoftball had been making. Force Co-Chair Dale McMann listens as Former Japanese Olympic softball team Athlete Ambassadors Danielle Stewart (holding The trio was also supported coach Taeko Utsugi, an International microphone) and Saskia Kosterink talk to the in Abuja by Gambia Softball Softball Federation Hall of Famer, was crowd at the Canada Cup about the Olympic Federation President Beatrice joined by former Japanese Olympic reinstatement campaign. Allen. softball pitcher Yuri Takayama in giving Two of the Athlete Ambassadors were softball masterclasses at a high school blueprint item that pledged to gain utilizing tournaments they were playing in the United Kingdom. From there further coverage for the sport on in to make speeches of their own so they moved on to the Japanese School television was playing out in many as to educate and gain further support of Amsterdam, where they were joined countries. Games from the World Cup from the spectators. Danielle Stewart by new Netherlands national team of Softball 4 had broadcasts to 146 and Saskia Kosterink teamed up to talk Head Coach Craig Montvidas and 2008 countries around the world by ESPN to fans, both from the field and then in Olympians Rebecca Soumeru (pitcher) and its family of networks. At almost person in the stands with them, at the and Saskia Kosterink (outfielder), the same time, the final games of the Canada Cup in British Columbia and the the latter a BackSoftball Athlete softball competition at the World Games Ambassador. in Taiwan were being televised as well. When the calendar hit Right after that, the medal games from June, softball was ready the ISF XII Men’s World Championship to make its presentation were being produced for broadcast to to the IOC Executive 60 countries. That was then followed Board. ISF President by the VII Pan American Softball Don Porter went to Championship for Women, which had Lausanne, Switzerland, nationwide TV broadcasts in the host with a delegation that country (Venezuela). Finally, Czech included ISF Deputy National TV showed four games from Secretary General the Youth Softball World Cup in Prague Ms. Low Beng Choo in August. (Malaysia), BackSoftball Further to television exposure were Task Force Co-Chair outreach efforts to the primarily Donna de Varona, and written press, as ISF Director of Athlete Ambassadors Communications Bruce Wawrzyniak Lynn Alexander (South The BackSoftball representatives that presented to the IOC attended the annual Congress or Africa), Rubilena Rojas Executive Board in Switzerland in June (left to right) Lynn convention of each of the following (Venezuela), and Danielle Alexander, Danielle Stewart, Low Beng Choo, Don Porter, Donna de Varona, and Gergana Handjiyska. three organizations: International Sports Stewart (Australia), continued to page 9 8 BackSoftball continued from page 8

Press Association, Association of my own, provides the Olympics with was the better for the countless Women in Sports Media, and Associated the ingredients it seeks to provide advances that had been made through Press Sports Editors. Joining him for the opportunities for these gifted women the global efforts of so many under the AWSM event was Kaila Holtz, a pitcher from more than 125 nations to play for BackSoftball campaign. who played for Team Canada at the Olympic gold on the world’s greatest ISF President Don Porter summed it 2004 Olympics in Athens and competed stage. up best that day when, following the in two ISF world championships, among “I’m proud to lend my name and full IOC’s announcement, he said, “The other high-profile international softball support to the reinstatement of softball ISF has worked tirelessly for more than events. to the programme of the 2016 Olympic four years since we were voted off the BackSoftball continued to highlight the Games.” 2012 Olympic programme and we sport’s 100% clean record at all four of And then it finally came time for the have made tremendous advances in its Olympic appearances too, with a IOC Executive Board’s meeting in Berlin that time… Softball players continue to press release issued along the campaign and their decision on which two of the dream of Olympic gold, the ultimate trail under the headline of SOFTBALL seven candidate sports to shortlist for a prize in our sport, and we will carry on TELLS IOC: ‘A VOTE FOR US IS A VOTE recommendation to the IOC Session to our campaign for Olympic reinstatement FOR CLEAN SPORT.’ ISF President vote on in October. to prove to the IOC that our sport fits Don Porter was quoted in the release with Olympic values and ambitions and Softball had one last stand before the as saying, “Softball leads the way in the deserves a place on merit on the Games verdict could be reached however, and fight against doping and exemplifies Programme.” seized the opportunity by putting on the Olympic values that sport and the a clinic there in Germany with Athlete Olympic movement aim to promote. I Ambassadors Handjiyska and Rojas, who want to reassure the IOC that we will offered tips to young players ranging never be complacent in promoting the in age from 3-16. The pair showed importance of clean competition.” techniques for pitching, A competitor from a winter Olympic batting, and fielding sport came before returning to their forward to business attire for the voice support decision from the IOC for softball’s body. efforts to get In the end it would be reinstated to golf and rugby, not the Summer softball (or any of the Games. other candidates) that the Three-time Executive Board would Games put forth as the two they medalist are recommending for the Angela October vote. However, (Photo courtesy of NBC) Ruggiero softball’s representatives Winter Olympian (ice (ice hockey) left Berlin with confidence hockey) Angela Ruggiero said, “I truly Athlete Ambassadors Rubilena Rojas (third from left) and (USA) voiced her support in the fact that no stone believe that Gergana Handjiyska (third from right) with children in Berlin for softball’s Olympic had been left unturned this team that they gave softball tips to in August. reinstatement. and the sport worldwide sport, like ISF VP/North America & BackSoftball Task Force Co-Chair Dale McMann listens as Athlete Ambassadors Danielle Stewart (holding microphone)World and Saskia Softball Kosterink Day 2009 Another Hit nothertalk to Junethe crowd 13 came at the and Canada went, Cup but about World Softball Day for what in 2009 In addition, earlier in the day they the the2009 Olympic date was reinstatement as notable campaign. if not would be five years in a row. launched a national youth development Amore than its occurrence each of However, this year’s had a twist. program, to be run outside the normal the last four years. schools program. They did this with the The world governing body encouraged ‘starter kits’ they’d received from the ISF Back in April of 2005, International its member federations to go with and the launch featured senior national Softball Federation President Don a Back Softball Day theme for June team players conducting an introduction Porter announced that beginning two 13, 2009, to spotlight the Olympic to softball lesson for the beginners months later, June 13 of each year reinstatement campaign. would be known as “World Softball (mostly 9-14 year olds). Botswana, for one, certainly seized on Day.” The basis for the occasion is in Over in Asia, ceremonies of World that. At the Grand Palm in Gaborone, coinciding with the date in 1991 when Softball Day were held jointly by the the national softball association held a the International Olympic Committee China Softball Association and Chinese dinner whose theme was BackSoftball. announced that, beginning with the Society of Education at four locations, Past softball players and administrators 1996 Summer Games in Atlanta, softball including the National Stadium (“Bird’s were invited along with National was being added to the Olympic Nest”), the Olympic Training Center in Olympic Committee and senior programme. Beijing, as well as both Zhengzhou and government officials. So, countries have been celebrating Chengdu. The theme of the ceremonies 9 there was “Celebrate World Softball Games for the first time. leagues). Day, Support Back Softball.” Leaders On yet a third continent, the 1st Cup Southeast of there, the Serbian Softball from the CSA and CSE, about 600 “World Softball Day” was held in the Federation held the 6th annual Belgrade students from universities and schools, Dominican Republic, with plans to Trophy tournament, although this time and more than 20 media participated make it an annual event. Two women’s the event (held over two days) was for in the ceremonies in Beijing along with teams and two men’s teams participated both cadettes (ages 9-14) and juniors thousands of softball fans, students, at the Villa Fundación softball stadium in (ages 14-18). Three teams from the host and media reporters in Zhengzhou and the city of Bani. country as well as a combined cadette/ Chengdu. Also in the Americas, Peru was an junior team from Bulgaria participated, Besides the main theme, the CSA, active participant in the June 13, 2009, with the visitors coming away as the during the ceremony, announced ten festivities, as depicted in the photo winners. Andrea Miletic, an 11-year old teaching drills for Tee-ball and the accompanying this story. from Belgrade, was awarded the trophy beginning of the registration process for Most Improved Player. The worldwide celebrations didn’t stop for slowpitch softball clubs. The flash, there though, extending to Europe as And, in Switzerland, some of the video, and teaching plans of the drills well. BackSoftball Athlete Ambassadors were were released at the same time for on-hand at the Dorigny Sports Centre The national softball team of the downloading. The CSA donated by Lake Geneva for a softball game Netherlands, including five players Tee-ball equipment to the schools at with employees and families of sports that competed in last year’s Olympics, the end of the event to support their federations based in Lausanne. There conducted a clinic for youth players developments. were also fun practice routines that had from the Haarlem area, giving them Elsewhere in that region, activity been devised to promote the game to a instruction on hitting, fielding, throwing, in Pakistan saw the Sindh Softball younger audience. and catching. The team also played Association hold competitions on two games against a foreign all-star June 13 in all regions of Sindh, where team (consisting of players from seven the sport had recently been a part of different countries in the Dutch softball the Sindh (Photo courtesy of DRSF) An instructor speaks to the girls participating

(Photo by Marco Stoovelaar) in the Dominican Republic Softball Youth players in the Netherlands pose for a group picture Federation’s event centered around with the Dutch women’s national softball team. World Softball Day. (Photo courtesy of PSF) Peru had a large turnout for their World Softball Day celebration. Rubilena Rojas (far left) prepares to catch a ball thrown by Michele Smith (BackSoftball shirt) as part of the demonstration put on in Lausanne, Switzerland. (Photo courtesy of CSA) A huge turnout in the National Stadium (a.k.a. Bird’s Nest) in Beijing, China, (Photo courtesy of BSA) Children in Botswana pariticpate in a clinic for the softball activities staged in put on as part of World Softball Day 2009.

conjunction with the sport’s annual (Photo courtesy of SSF) worldwide celebration of June 13. Many of the participants in the 6th Belgrade Trophy tournament in Serbia. 10 Umpires Do Give Back To The Game

By Bob Stanton ISF Director of Umpires July and August saw the playing of For those of you who are certified but have not yet been to a two very good competitions, the XII world championship or cup recently or never have been, there Men’s World Championship and the are things that you can do to help yourself get nominated and Easton Foundation Youth World Cup. selected. We also saw a high level of softball 1. Let your national federation know that you are being played at the Canada Cup in interested in being nominated. You should do this British Columbia; the World Games annually. in Taiwan; the World Cup of Softball 2. Keep up on the rules. 4 in Oklahoma City (USA), and the Pan American Softball Championship 3. Work as many highly competitive or elite level games as you can. Bob Stanton for Women in Venezuela. At each of these prestigious events certified ISF 4. Try to do national and regional championships ISF Director of Umpires umpires were used almost exclusively yearly or at least every two years. to officiate the games. 5. Attend or teach umpire clinics in your country On behalf of the International Softball Federation, I take this or region. opportunity to thank each and every one of these umpires for 6. Keep up to date on ISF mechanics. Talk to umpires giving of their time to work these events. The ISF knows that who have returned from a world championship or cup in more than one case individuals have paid the airfare out to get the latest in mechanics and rule interpretations. of their own funds to get to the tournament. While the ideal 7. Check the ISF website for rule interpretations or situation is for an umpire’s federation to pay, we know that technical bulletins. this is not always possible. We are truly impressed with the dedication and love of softball that is shown by our umpires 8. Stay physically and mental prepared. time and time again. In 2010, the ISF hopes to hold a number of umpire clinics Umpires are nominated for selection to a world championship and certification seminars around the world. Talk to your or world cup by their federation. A selection committee federation’s umpire-in-chief about hosting one in your country reviews the nominations and selects the umpires for the or getting together with a country close by to host a clinic or particular event based on the needs of the tournament and the certification seminar. abilities of the umpires nominated. Once selected the work Staying on top of your umpiring game takes work. We can begins for those umpires long before the championship or cup never stop acquiring better rule knowledge, improving on our begins. mechanics and positioning and enhancing our game control Preparing for an international championship or cup takes skills. Keep it up. more than just arranging for airfare. Umpires must prepare May your next game be the perfect one we are all looking to themselves physically and mentally. Umpires are expected umpire. to be in good physical condition when they arrive at a championship or cup tournament. They will be expected to umpire multiple games each day for an 8-10 day period. They must review the ISF rules and mechanics to be aware of differences that may exist between the ISF and their own federation. In addition, they must arrange for time away from their work and families. On the social side of things, umpires traditionally bring something of their home country to the tournament to give to their fellow umpires. It is always amazing to watch the members of a crew come together over the duration of a championship or cup. During those tentative first days everyone is hit with information overload and tries to get their feet under them to where the crew learns to rely on and trust in each other. Once that trust is established on the field the crew quickly gels professionally and socially. It truly is wonderful to see a group of individuals (Photo by Shanon Melnyk) from different countries, cultures, and languages find a way to Shown are the umpires that worked July’s ISF XII Men’s communicate and to pull together to attain the common goal World Championship in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (Canada), of providing the best officiating that they can for the teams, plus ISF Director of Umpires Bob Stanton (left end, middle the fans, and the tournament organizers. It is little wonder row), who was assisted by Brian Van Os (right end, middle as they go through the pressures of championship play that row) and Julie Johnson (next to Van Os). lifelong friendships become established and flourish in the years long after the championship. 11 he International Softball Federation’s Executive Council grew by one in May when Beatrice Allen was added by ISF President Don Porter. An International Olympic Committee Member and the Tpresident of the Gambia Softball Association, Ms. Allen had presided over the African Softball Forum held in her country one month earlier. Her addition maintains the ISF’s impressive percentage of female representation on the world governing body’s Executive Council, which far exceeds the minimum preferred by the IOC. At the time of her appointment Ms. Allen said, “I am extremely honored to join the ISF Executive Council and I believe that I can help the sport grow even more across the African continent. Softball is a sport for humanity in Africa.”

everal softball officials continue to have a presence among the hierarchy of numerous National Olympic Committees or the sports ministry. Many of these individuals have been reported on previously, and Snow (since the last issue of World Softball magazine) there are more who have gained or retained such positions. International Softball Federation Executive Council member at-large Fridah Shiroya (pictured) was re-elected as treasurer of the National Olympic Committee of Kenya. Softball Federation President Roberto Espinoza Zapata was elected as third vice president of his country’s NOC. In June ISF Deputy Secretary General Ms. Low Beng Choo was re-elected to her vice presidency with the Olympic Council of Malaysia. And, the ISF Executive Council’s newest member, Beatrice Allen, was elected as 1st Vice President of the Gambia National Olympic Committee Bureau.

wo notable developments came from the ISF’s European office in July. One is that softball is now included in the sports program of the two main universities in Lausanne (Switzerland, where the ISF satellite location is). As a result, around T9,000 students will have access to the sport. The other initiative was in conjunction with the Sport Teachers Conference, which was going to allow an opportunity for a softball presentation to the attendees. The hope was to also organize a softball game for the 60-70 sports teachers that were expected to participate in the conference. There was also an eye on October and the potential to introduce softball to children in Lausanne as well as engaging with their parents and teachers during the “Olympic Week” event organized by the International Olympic Committee. The week-long celebration of sports introduces children to Olympism and sports in general. More than 40 sports and cultural events are organized during that week, attracting more than 4,500 children between ages 9-15.

n August the ISF announced plans with Olympafrica that will result in the world governing body providing equipment and coaches conducting workshops in 14 different African countries. Plus, the Itwo organizations will jointly determine funding for new sports projects, with additional equipment and support provided across the continent by the ISF. The two sides had agreed in principle and were to formally execute a Memorandum of Understanding in September in Plant City when Olympafrica officials would visit the world headquarters. Olympafrica Executive Director Thierno Diack said, “Olympafrica has seen how committed the ISF is to Africa in recent years and we’re proud to be signing an MOU with them. Softball is growing in Africa at a tremendous rate and this agreement will help us to build on that and use softball to promote sport across the continent.”

oftball played by those above the traditional athlete age was again featured this June as the 8th Senior World Cup played out in Salem, Virginia (USA). The eighth edition of the annual event featured teams Sfrom as far away as Colombia (pictured) and divisions as high as age 70-plus. Men’s and women’s teams competed with approximately 60 teams in all taking part in the tournament.

(Photo by Bob Gray) 12 Sommaire français Septembre - Décembre 2009

EN BREF

e Président de la FIS écrit nsuite, on y retrouve un article traitant de quatre que (comme l’indique la page différents tournois qui ont tous eu lieu au cours des mois Lcouverture) les mois de juillet, août Ecouverts par le dernier numéro de World Softball (mai- et septembre ont été des mois très août). Chacun de ces tournois était un événement invitation occupés pour notre sport partout dans sanctionné par la FIS. On commence avec la 16e Coupe le monde et que les compétitions qui Canada qui se tient annuellement en Colombie-Britannique et ont eu lieu (sur la scène régionale et qui attire régulièrement des foules totalisant plus de 100 000 mondiale) ont connu le succès. personnes pour la durée du tournoi. Les spectateurs de cette M Porter continue en indiquant que le année ont vu l’équipe É.-U., revenir de l’arrière au cours de softball « continuera à travailler dans la dernière manche pour arracher une victoire de 3-2 sur le le but de ramener la reconnaissance olympique qui à ce jour, Canada et remporter la médaille d’or. La Canada avait atteint a connu quatre Olympiades au cours desquelles le softball a la finale à la suite d’une victoire de 6-0 sur le Venezuela qui a permis à de nombreuses jeunes athlètes de réaliser leur rêve finalement remporté la médaille de bronze. ». Il a ajouté « même si le softball continue son expansion Peu de temps après, s’est tenu le Tournoi de la Coupe du partout dans le monde, il faudra plus d’efforts et de travail de monde de softball à Oklahoma (É.-U.), où les É-U ont remporté la part des Fédérations membres et de la FIS pour obtenir des la victoire par la marque de 3 à 1 devant l’Australie, lors de la appuis tant sur la scène nationale, régionale et mondiale, pour partie comptant pour la médaille d’or. Le Canada a remporté soutenir notre sport dans sa reconquête du statut de sport la médaille de bronze et les amateurs de partout dans le olympique ». monde ont été des gagnants puisque 146 pays ont pu capter n tête de liste des nouvelles, l’article revient sur le XIIe la télédiffusion des parties via la famille de réseaux ESPN, Championnat du monde senior masculin de la FIS qui certaines parties étant diffusées en direct sur ESPN360.com. À s’est tenu au mois de juillet au Canada et qui auquel la fin du mois de juillet, la 6e Coupe du Japon s’est tenue à E Sendai et les Étasuniennes ont quitté avec une victoire de 2-0 participaient 16 pays, ce qui est le maximum permis par le Code de la FIS. Toutes les cinq régions étaient représentées sur les médaillées d’or des Jeux olympiques de l’an dernier. (l’Afrique, les Amériques, l’Asie, l’Europe et l’Océanie). Le L’Australie a remporté la médaille de bronze de ce tournoi. tournoi de dix jours a bénéficié d’une bonne météo, a connu Finalement, à la mi-août, la République Tchèque fut l’hôte de bonnes foules et une bonne couverture médiatique. Cette de la Coupe du monde de softball jeunesse de la Fondation couverture s’est élargie avec la télédiffusion des parties Easton, un événement de softball de balle rapide pour jeunes comptant pour filles de moins de 16 ans. Douze pays ont envoyé une équipe des médailles à ce tournoi de Prague, et les quatre dernières parties ont été dans 60 pays télédiffusées en direct, sur le réseau national de la télévision et plusieurs de tchèque. Le Japon a remporté la médaille d’or suivi des Pays- ces pays ont Bas (argent) et de Puerto Rico (bronze). profité d’une vec encore plus d’activités à rapporter – comme transmission l’annoncent la page couverture et le message du multiple Président – ce numéro (septembre-décembre 2009) se d’Eurosport 2. A tourne ensuite vers les championnats régionaux. Disputé à L’Australie a Valence en Espagne, le XVIe Championnat féminin d’Europe remporté son « A » a présenté dix équipes et a identifié des vedettes du tout premier Championnat du monde masculin de la FIS par championnat de la FIS de l’an prochain chez les membres des blanchissage sur la Nouvelle Zélande, championne en titre, équipes qui ont terminé première, deuxième et troisième. La après s’être taillé une place pour le titre de 2009, par une partie comptant pour le titre a permis de voir les Pays-Bas victoire sur le Canada qui lui, a mérité la médaille de bronze. blanchir la Grande-Bretagne 4-0 et d’assister à la qualification Le tournoi a débuté le 17 juillet par le premier lancer effectué de la République Tchèque pour le XIIe Championnat du monde par Mike Chambers, Président du Comité olympique canadien, féminin de la FIS en raison de sa troisième place. au cours des célébrations officielles qui ont officiellement Pendant ce temps, la Belgique, le pays hôte remportait le VIIIe ouvert le tournoi. Championnat féminin d’Europe « B » en défaisant la Suède lors de la partie de la médaille d’or. La Croatie a terminé au troisième rang dans ce tournoi à 13 suite pour paginer 14 suite de la page 13 onze équipes. Par la suite, un immense tournoi s’est déroulé des tournois auxquelles elles participaient pour prononcer leur au Venezuela où 20 pays étaient de la compétition du VIIe propre discours afin de renseigner les spectateurs et de gagner Championnat de softball féminin panaméricain. Ironiquement, leur appui. Danielle Stewart (Australie) et Saskia Kosterink les finissantes des trois premiers rangs ont été les mêmes que (Pays-Bas) ont fait équipe pour s’adresser aux amateurs, toutes lors de la Coupe Canada, avec les É-U premiers, le Canada les deux à partir du terrain et ensuite en personne dans les deuxième, et le Venezuela troisième. Dans la foulée, cinq pays gradins avec les partisans, lors de Coupe Canada en Colombie- se sont qualifiés pour les XIIe Championnat du monde féminin Britannique et aux 4 Tournois de la Coupe du monde de de la FIS de l’an prochain, en plus des équipes qui se sont Softball à Oklahoma City (É.-U.). qualifiées pour les Jeux Panaméricains de 2011 et les Jeux Parlant d’Olympiennes, une médaillée à trois reprises des Jeux de l’Amérique Centrale et des Caraïbes de 2010. Le dernier d’hiver a manifesté son appui à la réinstallation du softball article où il est question de balles et prises, de victoires et de aux Olympiques d’été. Angela Ruggiero (hockey sur glace) défaites sur le terrain, porte sur la participation du sport du a exprimé publiquement son engagement pour un retour du softball à trois différents Jeux multisports entre les mois de mai softball au programme des Jeux de 2016. et d’août. Premièrement, il y a eu les Jeux Maccabiah en Israël, Le point culminant fut, sans contredit, la réunion du Conseil événement également connu comme les « Olympiques juives » exécutif du CIO le 13 août en Allemagne. Juste avant cela, et qui a le softball à son programme depuis 1981. Les équipes dans les faits, deux des Athlètes ambassadrices (Rubilena canadienne, américaine et mexicaine ont remporté l’or, l’argent Rojas du Venezuela et Gergana Handjiyska de la Bulgarie) ont et le bronze respectivement du côté masculin. La version passé du temps sur le terrain de jeu à Berlin, pour donner des féminine a donné des résultats quelque peu différents, les É-U conseils de softball à des enfants du milieu âgés de trois à seize remportant l’or, l’Argentine l’argent et le Canada le bronze. Il ans. Cependant, le Conseil exécutif du CIO a recommandé y avait également une division Maître masculin (35 ans et plus) que le golf et le rugby soient les deux sports sur lesquels la et la médaille de bronze est allée au Venezuela après sa défaite Session du CIO se prononcera au début du mois d’octobre aux mains du Canada qui a par la suite été défait par les É-U au Danemark. Toutefois, le Softball a promis de continuer sa lors de la partie de la médaille d’or. quête pour que ce sport revienne sur la scène olympique. Ensuite s’est déroulée la compétition de balle rapide féminine xactement deux mois plus tôt, - le 13 juin – c’était la aux Jeux Mondiaux de Taiwan, où le Japon a défait le pays Journée mondiale du softball. Pour la cinquième année hôte 4-2 pour s’emparer du titre. La Corée a remporté la consécutive, il y a eu à travers le monde, des activités médaille de bronze E commémorant la date magique de 1991, jour où le CIO avait au cours de cette annoncé que le softball serait ajouté au programme des manifestation qui Olympiques d’été à compter des Jeux d’Atlanta de 1996. Les a aussi profité différentes façons de célébrer la journée mondiale du softball d’une couverture 2009 au Botswana, en Chine, en République Dominicaine, aux télévisuelle Pays-Bas, au Pakistan, au Pérou, en Serbie et en Suisse sont Enfin, les Jeux expliquées. mondiaux des nsuite, le Directeur des arbitres de Policiers et des la FIS Bob Stanton, dans sa rubrique Pompiers se sont “Behind the Plate” (Derrière le tenus dans l’Ouest E marbre), aborde le dévouement des canadien et ils arbitres non seulement sur, mais aussi hors présentaient de du terrain. De plus, il donne des conseils la compétition dans les catégories masculines, féminines et aux arbitres pour qu’ils puissent être mixtes pour un total de 48 équipes de softball. Au cours des choisis pour travailler à un événement de dates couvertes dans ce numéro de World Softball, Sydney la FIS. en Australie, sera l’hôte des 7e Jeux Mondiaux des Maîtres alors que le softball présentera la deuxième plus grande n dernier lieu, la page « Nouvelles participation des 28 sports en compétition (l’importance et Notes » jette un regard rapide étant définie en termes du nombre d’athlètes). Les Jeux Esur les points suivants : Beatrice se dérouleront au Parc Olympique Blacktown, le site des Allen membre du CIO (Gambie) a joint le Conseil exécutif de compétitions de softball des Olympiques de 2000. la FIS, plusieurs officiels du softball continuent d’avoir une présence hiérarchique sur de nombreux Comités nationaux Pour terminer l’année et la présence continue du softball dans olympiques ou ministères des sports (les derniers nommés les jeux multisports, des parties tant chez les hommes que l’ont été au Kenya, au Nicaragua, en Malaisie et en Gambie), chez les femmes sont prévues lors des 9e Jeux de l’Amérique de nouvelles opportunités pour notre sport que le Bureau Centrale durant le mois de décembre au Honduras. Européen de la FIS en Suisse a été en mesure d’initier, des près vient un écrit qui attire l’attention du lecteur sur les plans avec Olympafrica que la FIS a annoncé au mois d’août nombreuses réalisations de la campagne BackSoftball qui – parmi d’autres efforts – résulteront en un conseil mondial Apour la réinstallation olympique. Depuis le dernier d’administration fournissant de l’équipement et des entraîneurs numéro de World Softball, il y a eu des cliniques aux Pays- pour diriger des ateliers dans 14 pays africains différents et Bas données par deux ex-olympiens japonais (softball), une finalement, la Coupe du monde senior et qui s’est tenue au présentation sur le softball par six personnes au Conseil mois de juin, rassemblant 60 équipes dont certaines venaient exécutif du Comité international olympique (au mois de juin d’aussi loin que la Colombie et des divisions regroupant des en Suisse) et une présentation similaire au Nigeria au mois joueurs âgés de plus de 70 ans. de juillet aux Comités nationaux olympiques de l’Assemblée générale d’Afrique. De plus, sur le sujet des discours, deux des Athlètes ambassadrices profitaient 14 COVERING ALL THE BASES

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