PLANT CITY, FLORIDA (USA) — In 111 days 16 countries will begin vying to be called “number 1.” Thus, preparations are nearing a fever pitch in Caracas, Venezuela, which will host the International Softball Federation’s XII Women’s World Championship from June 23-July 2.

A 2010 World Championship Coordination Commission has just returned from a visit this past weekend to the South American country. ISF Secretary General Ms. LOW Beng Choo (Malaysia) headed the group that visited for two days with Venezuelan Sports Minister Victoria Mata, General Alirio Ramirez, Colonel Benavidez, and several organizing committee representatives, along with ISF VP/Latin America Jésus Suniaga, who is also the president of the Venezuela Softball Federation.

The meetings covered topics ranging from transportation and accommodations to security, and several other aspects of the event planning, including television broadcasts. The delegation also visited the playing facilities and another meeting has been scheduled in Caracas for the first week of May.

The seedings have also now been set for the fast pitch tournament, in accordance with the ISF Competition & Technical Code. The teams will be in two pools, as follows:

POOL A POOL B
Japan USA
Canada Australia
Chinese Taipei China
Netherlands Venezuela
Great Britain New Zealand
South Africa Botswana
Argentina Dominican Republic
Cuba Czech Republic

The game schedule has not yet been finalized but will be released immediately upon its conclusion.

This year’s event marks the 45th anniversary of the first-ever softball world championship (see commemorative logo below). Five women’s teams competed in Melbourne, Australia, in 1965, and one year later the first men’s world championship was held (eleven countries competed in Mexico City). Eventually world championships were also started in the junior women’s and junior men’s categories (age 19-and-under).

The ISF is the world governing body of the sport as recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and SportAccord (formerly the General Association of International Sports Federations). Softball (women’s fast pitch) made its Olympic debut at the 1996 Games in Atlanta. There are 128 affiliated countries in the ISF and millions of participants in the sport worldwide.

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(Surrey, BC.) With the recent announcement of the cancellation of the Women’s Division of the 2010 Canada Cup International Women’s Fastpitch Tournament, the original Host Team, the White Rock Renegades, will continue what the Canada Cup Host Committee worked so hard to achieve with their two youth divisions by forming a new committee to host the 2010 Canadian Open Fastpitch International Championship. This will include a Futures (U19) Division and a Showcase (16U) Division.
The 2010 Canadian Open Fastpitch International Championship will be held from July 5 – 11 in Surrey, British Columbia and will carry on the Canada Cup spirit of promoting the development of the great game of softball by helping young female athletes reach for their personal best.

“We decided as the Host organization that we would take on the challenge of continuing the Futures and Showcase tournaments for 2010 and give elite teams who wanted the chance to compete, the chance to do so,” stated Greg Timm, President of the White Rock Renegades and Chairman of the Canadian Open Fastpitch International Championship.

“We’re doing so because we want to help the young athletes of today as well as honor Glen Todd’s vision and tireless work towards the development of the youth of the sport.”

Todd was the Chair and Founder of the Canada Cup International Women’s Fastpitch Tournament and Founder of the White Rock Renegades.
Timm was also the co-chair of the Canada Cup International Women’s Fastpitch Tournament since its inception.

This seven (7) day event will feature many elite level youth teams vying for the title of 2010 Canadian Open Fastpitch International Champion! These elite teams will compete on the diamonds at Softball City and Cloverdale Athletic Park showing spectators just how inspiring the future of the sport can be.
With plenty of events, continuous entertainment, and a week chock-full of high caliber fastpitch competition, the Canadian Open Fastpitch International Championship will be a fun-filled event for the whole family.

The plans for this year’s event also features a Canada/USA Women’s national team exhibition series to run Thursday, July 8 to Sunday, July 11. Schedule and more details to be announced at a later date.

For further information on the tournament visit www.canadianopenfastpitch.com or call 604.536.9287.

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OKLAHOMA CITY – The Amateur Softball Association (ASA) of America is pleased to announce the roster and schedule for the 2010 USA Softball Women’s National Team, which will kick off the season with exhibition games in Ohio, June 16-17. The team consists of 14 members from the 2009 USA Softball National Team who helped capture the Canada Cup and World Cup of Softball Gold Medals during 2009.

In addition to the 14 returnees, 2004 Olympic Champion and 2008 Olympic Silver Medalist Jessica Mendoza (Camarillo, Calif.) makes her return to USA Softball after taking a year off for the birth of her child. Eileen Canney (Paradise, Calif.) makes her first-ever appearance on a USA Softball roster while Tammy Williams (Roscoe, Mo.) is in her first year as a National Team member after representing the USA at the Pan American Qualifier last year.

The complete roster includes:
Monica Abbott (Salinas, Calif.)
Chelsea Bramlett (Cordova, Tenn.)
Eileen Canney (Paradise, Calif.)
Ashley Charters (Beaverton, Ore.)
Kaitlin Cochran (Yorba Linda, Calif.)
Andrea Duran (Selma, Calif.)
Jennie Finch (La Mirada, Calif.)
Vicky Galindo (Union City, Calif.)
Alissa Haber (Newark, Calif.)
Ashley Hansen (Chandler, Ariz.)
Ashley Holcombe (Fayetteville, Ga.)
Lauren Lappin (Anaheim, Calif.)
Caitlin Lowe (Tustin, Calif.)
Jessica Mendoza (Camarillo, Calif.)
Cat Osterman (Houston,Texas)
Natasha Watley (Irvine, Calif.)
Tammy Williams (Roscoe, Mo.)

The schedule of events starts with two exhibition games, June 16 at Thurman Munson Stadium in Canton, Ohio and June 17 at Brookside Park in Ashland, Ohio. The two exhibition games will feature a matchup of the USA Softball Women’s National Team and the USA Futures Team (roster to be announced at a later date). Go to http://www.ohioasasoftball.org for more information on the exhibition games.

Less than a year after winning the Pan American Qualifier in Maracay, Venezuela, USA Softball will head back to Venezuela to defend their World Championship at the ISF World Championships in Caracas, Venezuela. The World Championship is June 21-July 3 with USA looking for their ninth Gold Medal.

Canada will next play host to the USA at the Canadian Open Fast Pitch International Championship, July 7-11, in Surrey, B.C. and exhibition games in Whitehorse, Yukon, July 13-14.

The USA will bring it home for its fans, July 22-26, with the World Cup of Softball 5. The World Cup is one of the premier events in International Softball and will bring together 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist Japan, Canada, USA Futures and three-time Olympic Gold Medalists USA. A complete schedule of events can be found at http://www.usasoftball.com/news.asp?uid=5415.

The final event on the schedule will be the Japan Cup, August 3-9, in Sendai City, Japan. The USA will look to defend their title after defeating Japan 2-0 in last year’s Japan Cup Championship Game.

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Surrey, BC – The 17th Annual Canada Cup International Women’s Fastpitch Tournament (Women’s Division) has been cancelled for 2010 due to a change in the International Softball Federation dates for the Xll Women’s World Championships. “It is with great regret and after much deliberation due to the changes made by the International Softball Federation schedule that I have decided not to proceed with the 2010 Canada Cup and have informed Softball Canada and the Canada Cup Host Committee of this decision,“ stated Chairman, Glen Todd. “We reviewed all of our options and in the end concluded that we had no choice but to cancel the Women’s tournament. We are exploring the possibilities of staging the Canada Cup once again in 2011.”

The Canada Cup was to be held July 3 to 11 in Surrey, BC with many international teams then heading to the World Championships the following week. The 2010 ISF Xll Women’s World Championships will now be held in Caracas, Venezuela June 23 to July 2. It has recently been announced by the International Softball Federation and Softball Canada that the ISF Xlll Women’s World Championships will be held in July of 2012 in Whitehorse, Yukon. Dates are still to be determined.

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OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – The Amateur Softball Association (ASA) of America announced today the 17 athletes that were offered a USA Softball Athlete Agreement for the 2010 season. The final roster for the 2010 USA Softball Women’s National Team will be announced in March with the team competing in the ISF Women’s World Championships, June 23-July 2, 2010 in Caracas, Venezuela as well as other events to be scheduled at a later date.

The athletes below were offered a USA Softball athlete agreement for 2010:

Monica Abbott (Salinas, Calif.)
Chelsea Bramlett (Cordova, Tenn.)
Eileen Canney (Paradise, Calif.)
Ashley Charters (Beaverton, Ore.)
Kaitlin Cochran (Yorba Linda, Calif.)
Andrea Duran (Selma, Calif.)
Jennie Finch (La Mirada, Calif.)
Vicky Galindo (Union City, Calif.)
Alissa Haber (Newark, Calif.)
Ashley Hansen (Chandler, Ariz.)
Ashley Holcombe (Fayetteville, Ga.)
Lauren Lappin (Anaheim, Calif.)
Caitlin Lowe (Tustin, Calif.)
Jessica Mendoza (Camarillo, Calif.)
Cat Osterman (Houston,Texas)
Natasha Watley (Irvine, Calif.)
Tammy Williams (Roscoe, Mo.)

The following 13 athletes selected from the selection camp will be alternates on the 2010 USA Softball Women’s National Team:

Valerie Arioto (Pleasanton, Calif.)
Brandice Balschmiter (Newark, N.Y.)
Courtney Bures (Haymarket, Va.)
Molly Johnson (Lexington, Ken.)
Megan Langenfeld (Bakersfield, Calif.)
Brittany Lastrapes (Laguna Niguel, Calif.)
Jenae Leles (Fair Oaks, Calif.)
Stacey Nelson (Los Alamitos, Calif.)
Amber Patton (Forsyth, Ill.)
Brittany Rogers (Dacula, Ga.)
Melissa Roth (Long Beach, Calif.)
Taylor Schlopy (West Hills, Calif.)
Angela Tincher (Eagle Rock, Va.)

Continue to check out www.usasoftball.com for the most-up-to date info including roster and schedule.

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PLANT CITY, Fla. – Whitehorse was named Wednesday by the International Softball Federation as the host city for the 2012 women’s world championship.

ISF president Don Porter said Whitehorse’s track record in hosting a successful 2008 junior men’s worlds helped its bid.

“Whitehorse will do a terrific job hosting our women’s world championship in 2012,” said Porter. “They proved as much when they organized our junior men’s world championship in 2008. Plus the community’s support for softball and their proven ability as a site for large sporting and cultural events assures us that our teams, the fans, and the media will all have a good experience that summer.”

With longer daylight hours during the summer, the ISF will be looking at playing more than 60 games over a 10-day period. The event will take place in July of 2012, with the final dates to be determined.

The 2010 event takes place from June 23 to July 2 in Venezuela.

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PLANT CITY, FLORIDA (USA) — The International Softball Federation’s XII Women’s World Championship will be held June 23-July 2, 2010 in Caracas, Venezuela. The official announcement follows ISF President Don Porter’s trip to the new host site last week.

In Caracas the ISF president met with representatives of the federal government, including Sports Minister Victoria Mata, along with Venezuela Softball Federation President Jesús Suniaga, finalizing details on a contract for next year’s event, which marks the 45th anniversary of the first ever softball world championship.

The sports minister expressed her pleasure at taking on the tournament and said that Venezuela President Hugo Chavez, who has two daughters that play softball, is personally supporting the event.

The world championship had originally been awarded to the USA, however a decision was made to relocate the event due to a date conflict with the Central American & Caribbean Games in Puerto Rico that would have prevented three teams that had qualified for the ISF event from having the opportunity to play against the other 13 nations in Oklahoma City. Mr. Porter said the ISF was talking to three other potential new hosts before finally agreeing with Venezuela.

The new organizing committee has already indicated that the world championship will receive national television coverage and that international distribution is already being worked on. The Venezuelan officials outlined plans to upgrade and renovate existing facilities including the site of the 1983 Pan American Games softball competition, which will have a new main stadium in time for the ISF tournament. Practice facilities will also be readily available for the teams too.

The ISF president said he is, “more than satisfied with these new arrangements” and expressed his “full confidence that Venezuela will be a great host for the softball world and our marquee event.”

Details on hotel accommodations and tickets will be released soon.

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Canada’s men’s softball team named Saskatoon native Don Bates as head coach Monday.

Bates has been an assistant coach with the team since 2006 and also served on the women’s Olympic team in 2008. He replaces Mark Smith, who stepped down earlier this year to become head coach of the women’s team.

“The program has a rich tradition of being one of the best in the world,” Bates said in a statement. “I look forward to working with Canada’s top male softball athletes as we begin our initial preparation for the 2013 ISF World Championship in New Zealand.”

The men’s team won bronze at this year’s ISF Men’s World Championship in Saskatoon.

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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Play has begun here at the 4th Asian Jr. Women’s Softball Championship (19-and-under) with Iran making their debut in such a regional, fast pitch tournament, alongside eight other countries.

The sport is demonstrating its adaptability with the event being played on a football (soccer) field that is being converted to softball for purposes of hosting this championship.

“This is another great showcase for our sport,” said International Softball Federation Secretary General Ms. LOW Beng Choo. “The strong showing from around this region and the application of our transformable venue option solidifies softball’s place on the international sporting landscape. There are high hopes for the week ahead.”

Ms. LOW is the also president of the Softball Association of Malaysia. She is being joined at the tournament by ISF Director of Competition Laurie Gouthro.

Joining Iran in the tournament, which began yesterday and ends on Wednesday (December 16), are China, Chinese Taipei, India, Indonesia, Japan, (South) Korea, Singapore, and Thailand. Japan is the defending champion from the 3rd Asian Jr. Women’s Championship, which took place in Korea.

The top three finishers will qualify for the ISF IX Jr. Women’s World Championship, which will take place in December 2011 in Cape Town, South Africa.

Iran, Korea, Singapore, and Thailand were to have their national softball federation presidents on-hand for the competition.

The Softball Association of Malaysia hosted a Softball Confederation Asia umpires course this past Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, with participants from Chinese Taipei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. The instructors were from Australia and Chinese Taipei.

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The female softball players sent home from the Bahamas in disgrace after fighting in their hotel and walking off the field are to face disciplinary action, along with their coach.

Stephanie Trott, public relations officer of the Bermuda Amateur Softball Association (BASA), told The Royal Gazette that disciplinary hearings would be held for all the players and coach Braxton Stowe would “definitely be held on a disciplinary charge”.

She alleged that Mr. Stowe instructed the team to leave the field during the opening ceremony of the English Speaking Caribbean Amateur Softball Tournament on October 29 as a “solid protest” against BASA officials — a claim he denied yesterday.

Mr. Stowe said he had not been informed of any disciplinary charges against him and that “there were two sides to every story”. Of the disciplinary action, he said: “This is the first I have heard about it.”

And of the charge that he instructed his players to leave the field, Mr. Stowe said: “That is incorrect.”

But he admitted that in hindsight walking off was not the correct action, especially after discussing the matter with Ministry of Sport permanent secretary Ellen-Kate Horton, who flew out to the Bahamas to deal with the team.

“When the permanent secretary came down we spoke with her and told the reasons [why we left the field] and we knew that was wrong,” said Mr. Stowe.

Ms Trott, who was in the Bahamas for the tournament, said it was done “out of disrespect” to BASA president Terry Richardson and general secretary Gerri Swan, who were up in the stands and had been asked to come to the field to accept a commemorative softball from the hosts.

“That was when they [players and coach] turned and walked off,” she said. “They were given instructions to leave the field by the coach.

“Four senior players left the field [initially] and the coach instructed the other players to leave.

“He was head of that contingent and therefore he is ultimately responsible for their behaviour — or lack thereof.”

But Mr. Stowe said: “It is not as it sounds.”

He added: “I don’t want to give any statements until the Minister and the permanent secretary got back with their rulings. So far all the people have heard is from their [officials'] side.

“They are trying to find anything and everything which is not important about softball in order to get at me and the team.”

Mr Stowe said there were “a lot of incidents” leading up to the team walking off the field and that it was reaction to something the officials had done.

Ms Trott said the tournament — involving Bermuda, the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos — could have been a good way to get fast pitch softball back on track in Bermuda after years in the wilderness.

Instead, she said the disastrous tour — which also saw Police called out to the team hotel after two players physically fought and others verbally argued — was a “learning experience”.

“I will say that in future no team will ever go out of here again until such time as they understand what they are representing — they have to understand that this is more than just playing ball,” said Ms Trott.

“They are definitely ambassadors for Bermuda. We are looking forward to working with the Ministry and anyone who has softball at heart and wants to see the sport go forward.”

She added: “There should be no drama in softball. Tears should come only from winning or losing.”

Sports Minister Glenn Blakeney said on Friday in the House of Assembly that the team’s actions had brought “embarrassment” to the Island.

Source: The Royal Gazette

PLANT CITY, FLORIDA (USA) — A new identity has begun for the International Softball Federation following today’s launch of a new logo for the sport’s world governing body.

Coming on the heels of the XXIV ISF Congress in Venezuela where new officials were elected and a new constitution was adopted, softball’s top organization has a new forward direction, marked – figuratively and literally – by the re-branding efforts that are beginning today.

The logo – shown at the top of this release – carries over the green from the previous ISF mark, while now incorporating four other colors. Created by a designer from Spain, the new identity also includes the ball portion of the logo previously used for BackSoftball, the Olympic reinstatement campaign.

“This is an important step as we move forward with our sport,” said ISF President Don Porter. “Softball is a game for both sexes and for all ages and cultures around the world and is a sport that will prevail for generations to come. As a result, it was important that we reflected those attributes with a contemporary logo that will sustain the ongoing changes and developments within our sport.”

Effective immediately, the world governing body’s Web domain is also changing, such that the official website is moving to www.ISFsoftball.org and the email addresses for the administration at the world headquarters have been altered to reflect such. The up-to-date list can be found on the Contact Us page of the website.

While the website has been updated to reflect the new logo, further work is being planned for a new look for the ISF’s home on the Web.

PLANT CITY, FLORIDA (USA) — International Softball Federation President Don Porter and Amateur Softball Association/USA Softball Executive Director Ron Radigonda announced today that the 2010 ISF Women’s World Championship originally scheduled for July 16-26 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (USA) will have to be pushed back to a later date and new location due to a conflict with the XXI Central American & Caribbean Games July 17–August 1 in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.

The softball competition at the multi-sport event includes three teams (Cuba, Dominican Republic, and Venezuela) that have also qualified for the 2010 Women’s World Championship. In order to ensure complete participation for the sport at this marquee event – which will mark the 45-year anniversary of the first ISF Women’s World Championship – the event needed to be moved to a later date and different site.

“We are disappointed to not have the World Championship in Oklahoma City, but know that it is imperative for our sport to have worldwide participation and a complete field of 16 teams. We don’t want to leave any countries out,” said Porter. “The ISF is already working hard to find another host country and we will make a date and site announcement as soon as possible.”

“The Amateur Softball Association and USA Softball were really looking forward to hosting the world championship in Oklahoma City, but understand the importance of a complete field of participating countries from every region of the world,” said Radigonda. “Our 2010 stadium schedule is booked and unfortunately the July dates were the only feasible dates to host the event. We are pursuing other opportunities for a smaller event (July 22-26) with some participating teams to compete in Oklahoma City prior to departure to the world championship. This event will be announced at a later date.”

Team USA is the defending ISF world champion, having won the eleventh edition of the world championship in 2006 in China when they broke a scoreless tie after five innings, scoring three runs in the top of the sixth en route to a 3-0 victory over Japan in the gold medal game.

MARGARITA ISLAND, VENEZUELA – The retention of the world governing body’s leader, a new secretary general, and various changes among the regional vice presidents were part of the many developments coming out of the just-concluded XXIV International Softball Federation Congress held here. It was also revealed that extensive re-branding efforts will commence shortly, featuring a new ISF logo and revamped website.

In addition, the delegates approved a constitution that took effect immediately and they awarded two future world championships. Plus, a new class was elected to the ISF Hall of Fame. There were also changes to the playing rules, and visits from special guests. The latter included Venezuela Sports Minister Victoria Mata, Venezuela Olympic Committee President Dr. Eduardo Álvarez, and Venezuela Olympic Committee Vice President Mrs. Elida de Álvarez.

Don Porter was re-elected as ISF president, having run unopposed. Ms. LOW Beng Choo (Malaysia) is the ISF’s new secretary general, following elections that took place yesterday. She was previously the ISF deputy secretary general. Retiring ISF Secretary General Andy Loechner (USA) had been in the position since 1987. Two other women from Ms. Low’s region were among those elected by the congress, including a former Olympic softball coach.

In the five regions, a significant change was made in that each now has two vice presidents, plus there is a new position called non-Spanish-speaking Caribbean vice president. The changes are as follows:

VP Position Elected
1st Vice President Mr. Dale McMann (CAN)
2nd Vice President Mr. Bob Leveloff (NZ)
Africa Mr. Guillo Marapjane (RSA)
Mr. Marumo Morule (BOT)
North America Mr. E.T. Colvin (USA)
Non-Spanish-speaking Caribbean Mr. Romell Knowles (BAH)
Latin America Mr. Antonio Morales (COL)
Mr. Jesús Suniaga (VEN)
Asia Mme. JIANG Xiuyun (CHN)
Mme. Taeko Utsugi (JPN)
Europe Mr. Ami Baran (ISR)
Mr. Andre van Overbeek (NED)
Oceania Mr. Darryl Clout (AUS)
Mr. Robert J. Steffy, Sr. (GUM)

In addition, International Olympic Committee Members Mme. Beatrice Allen (GAM) and Mr. Meliton Sanchez (PAN) remain as members of the ISF Executive Council. Furthermore, the newly created constitution – which comes in addition to the standing ISF Administrative Code – will provide for the creation of an ISF Board of Directors and gives a new, forward direction for the world governing body.

Based on bids that had been presented, the ISF IX Junior Men’s World Championship in 2012 was awarded to Parana, Argentina, and the ISF XIII Men’s World Championship in 2013 was awarded to North Shore City, New Zealand. Dates for both tournaments will be announced at a later time. The event three years from now will mark the first ISF world championship to be held in South America.

Newly elected to the ISF Hall of Fame are the following:
PLAYERS: Peter Clout (AUS), Naomi Ellis (BAH), Rhonda Hira (NZ), Sally (McDermid) McCreedy (AUS), Nobunori Nishimura (Japan), Mark Sorenson (NZ), Darren Zack (CAN)

UMPIRES: Eduardo Jose Falcon (VEN), John McAuliffe (AUS), Wayne Saunders (NZ)

ADMINISTRATORS: Ivan Eduardo Briceno C. (VEN), Philippa Griffith-Bailey (BIZ), Viatcheslav Smagin (RUS), Robert J. Steffy Sr. (GUM), Glen Todd (CAN)

COACHES: Naomi Shaw (NZ)

MERITORIOUS SERVICE: Jacinto David Amaiz (VEN), Don Tricker (NZ)

Also, two individuals were announced as recipients of the prestigious ISF Medal of Honor. Retiring ISF 1st Vice President Clovis Lodewijks (AHO) and Secretary General Andy Loechner (USA) became just the eleventh and twelfth recipients of the award.

The next ISF Congress will take place in October 2011, with the site to be announced at a later date.

Japan won the Easton Foundation Youth Softball World Cup with a victory over the Netherlands in the gold medal game two days ago in the Czech Republic. The eleven-nation tournament began on August 9 and consisted of teams whose participants were age 16-and-under. The Dutch team had advanced to the event’s final game with 5-4 victory over Puerto Rico that required an extra inning and left Puerto Rico with the bronze medals.

Other countries that played in the event were Canada, China, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Italy, Russia, South Africa, and Venezuela. Czech National TV aired selected games from the tournament through the country. For more information, including game-by-game results and much more, visit the official event website at http://ywc.softball.cz/index1.php?akce=1.

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — The Amateur Softball Association (ASA) has announced the audience numbers for the KFC World Cup of Softball presented by Six Flags and the Men’s Slow Pitch Border Battle which aired July 16-20 on ESPN and ESPN2 – and in high definition on ESPN HD and ESPN2 HD. With a combined 17 telecasts providing more than 34 hours of softball programming across both networks, ESPN’s five World Cup games averaged a 0.7 rating and 653,000 households, up 17% (0.6) and 9% (vs. 600,000), respectively, over ESPN’s coverage of the 2007 World Cup of Softball. The inaugural Men’s Slow Pitch Border battle on ESPN recorded a 0.7 as a standalone game reaching over 650,000 households.

“The increases in our audience demonstrates that softball has a dedicated and passionate fan base that continues to grow,” said Carol Stiff, senior director, ESPN programming and acquisitions. “We are proud to be partners in such an exciting sport.”

“ESPN’s coverage and support of this year’s World Cup was tremendous,” said World Cup batting leader Natasha Watley (Irvine, Calif.). “I love when fans all over the country and world can watch our sport and see what a quick, fun game it is. ESPN has been such a strong partner for our sport and we can’t thank them enough for the coverage.”

The 2009 USA vs. Japan game on July 18 saw the highest single game rating of 0.8.

In comparison to the 2008 Bound 4 Beijing Tour games, the six World Cup games averaged a 0.7 rating on ESPN and 653,000 households, up 40% (0.5) and 24% vs. 528,0000, respectively,.

“The opportunity to wear the USA uniform and be on ESPN showcasing the sport of slow pitch was simply just a dream come true,”said Team USA Border Battle first baseman Rusty Bumgardner. “It was such a thrill andthe television presenceand ratings has really given our sport a strong push of momentum. And tomake theSportsCenter highlight reel wasreally a thrill. It was such a great game and I am looking forward to future opportunities and hopefully to see the Border Battle expand.”

In addition to the television coverage on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN HD and ESPN2 HD, new this year all seven USA games were streamed live on ESPN360.com. Selected games from ESPN’s coverage were also televised globally to 146 countries across ESPN International networks including Atlantic, Pacific Rim, Australia HD, Brazil HD, Israel, Middle East, ESPN Caribbean, ESPN2 Caribbean, and ESPN America.

The following is a media statement from Don Porter. I think it speaks for itself.

Don Porter, President of the International Softball Federation (ISF)

“We will continue to pursue our Olympic dream”

Berlin, (Germany); 13th August 2009: The president of the International Softball Federation, Don Porter, issued the following statement today following the decision by the International Olympic Committee Executive Board that did not include softball among the two sports that will be recommended to the IOC Session in October for a vote on sports to be added to the 2016 Olympic Games Programme:

“The ISF and wider softball family is certainly disappointed by today’s decision by the IOC Executive Board not to recommend softball for reinstatement onto the Olympic Games Programme in 2016.

“However, we respect the IOC’s decision and I tip my cap to golf and rugby for getting recommended and offer my sentiments to the other four sports that were not successful today.

“The ISF has worked tirelessly for more than four years since we were voted off the 2012 Olympic Programme and we have made tremendous advances in that time.

“Softball has more players, a long list of member federations, a more solid and appropriate organizational framework, and development programs that are producing phenomenal results on every continent.

“Our anti-doping record is second to none and our culture and aspirations blend perfectly with the values that the IOC seeks to promote.

“For softball, reinstatement to the Olympic Games would have been the catalyst for further sustainable global growth, demonstrating the power of the Games.

“Softball players continue to dream of Olympic gold, the ultimate prize in our sport, and we will carry on our campaign for Olympic reinstatement to prove to the IOC that our sport fits with Olympic values and ambitions and deserves a place on merit on the Games Programme.”

BERLIN, GERMANY — The International Softball Federation has signed an historic Memorandum of Understanding with Olympafrica International Foundation to promote sports development in Africa.

The ISF will provide equipment and softball coaches will undertake workshops in 14 different African countries including Burundi, Cameroon, Comoros, Republic of Congo, Gambia, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Lesotho, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Senegal, Sudan, and Zambia.

Additionally, the ISF will work with Olympafrica to help determine funding for new sports projects and provide additional equipment and support across the continent.

ISF President Don Porter said, “I am delighted that we have signed this historic agreement today. This is the latest example of softball’s commitment to promoting sport in developing communities.

“We have seen tangible evidence of the impact softball has had to help promote peace and understanding, friendship and respect and, of course, to promote sport, and I am confident that this agreement will leave a lasting legacy across Africa.”

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.”

Olympafrica works with the International Olympic Committee and International Amateur Athletics Federation to provide sports centers, coaching, and facilities to all African National Olympic Committees. As a social development program through sport, Olympafrica proposes a wide range of sports and socio-educational activities. More than 250 activities are now carried out in Olympafrica Centers on a regular basis.

This is the second major development by the ISF in Africa in recent months. In April at an African Softball Forum in Gambia the ISF committed USD$100,000 in grants in conjunction with development projects with the African Softball Confederation that include a program at the university level through FISU (International University Sports Federation), and now with Olympafrica.

Softball was first featured in the Olympic Games in Atlanta in 1996 and last year’s competition in Beijing was very successful with a total attendance close to 180,000 and a continuation of the sport’s excellent record of no positive doping tests at any of the four Summer Olympics that the sport has been a part of.

Berlin, (Germany); 11th August 2009: Representatives of the BackSoftball campaign have arrived in Berlin as part of the most crucial week in the efforts for the sport’s reinstatement onto the Olympic Games Programme in 2016.

International Softball Federation President Don Porter arrived from Prague, where he attended the opening of the Easton Foundation Youth Softball World Cup, which features eleven (age) 16-and-under girls teams from five continents competing in a fast pitch tournament.

Other members of the team to arrive include BackSoftball Task Force co-chairs Donna De Varona (two-time Olympic gold medalist in swimming) and Dale McMann (ISF VP/North America, from Canada); Athlete Ambassadors Gergana Handjiyska (Bulgaria) and Rubilena Rojas (Venezuela), and ISF Deputy Secretary General Ms. Low Beng Choo (Malaysia).

The ISF president said, “This is a monumental moment for softball – and an opportunity for the International Olympic Committee to back our sport, which has done so much to promote the values of the Olympic movement.

“We believe we have a compelling case as we continue to promote sport in developing communities around the world, with a particular focus on women and young people; and continue to engender the principles of fair play, respect, and clean sport.

“In this era of global recession it is vital that the IOC choose a sport that is non-elitist, easy to play, affordable, and can be played almost anywhere. Softball is that sport.”

This Thursday, August 13, the IOC Executive Board is expected to decide which two of the seven candidate sports for the 2016 Olympics it will recommend to the full IOC Session for a vote in October in Copenhagen.

Softball was first featured in the Olympic Games in Atlanta in 1996 and last year’s competition in Beijing was very successful with a total attendance close to 180,000 and a continuation of the sport’s excellent record of no positive doping tests at any of the four Summer Olympics that the sport has been a part of.

Sydney, Australia; 10th August 2009: Softball teams from eleven countries around the world are putting their final preparations in place before heading to Sydney for the seventh World Masters Games, which start exactly two months from today, on October 10, further exhibiting the global appeal of softball to a wide range of age groups.

Almost 2,500 male and female elite, competitive, and recreational standard softball players ages 35+ and 45+ will take part in the competition – the second largest event at this year’s Games. As well as the host nation Australia, teams are coming from Austria, Botswana, Canada, Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and USA.

BackSoftball Athlete Ambassador Danielle Stewart, a 2008 Olympic softball bronze medalist from the 2009 World Masters Games host country, said, “I’m delighted that such a prestigious softball competition will be taking place in Sydney and I am sure there will be huge crowds to support the event.

“Softball is popular with all generations because it’s simple to learn and inexpensive to play and is immensely popular in Australia. The fact that so many people are traveling here to compete says a great deal for the progress the sport has made in recent years.”

Shane O’Leary, Chief Executive Officer of the Sydney 2009 World Masters Games Organizing Committee said, “Softball is one of the largest sport competitions on the World Masters Games program and we are pleased with the large numbers of softballers who have registered for the Games.

“With over 200 teams competing in the Sydney 2009 World Masters Games it will arguably be the largest softball competition ever held in Australia, if not the world.”

Open to people of all abilities and most ages, the World Masters Games are the world’s largest multi-sport event, with organizers expecting 29,000 athletes from more than 100 countries competing in 28 sports at more than 70 venues throughout Sydney.

The World Masters Games, which have been held every four years since they began in Toronto, Canada in 1985, are open to people of all abilities rather than just elite athletes, with the emphasis on participation

The World Masters Games official website is http://www.2009worldmasters.com.

Softball was first featured in the Olympic Games in Atlanta in 1996 and last year’s competition in Beijing was very successful with a total attendance close to 180,000 and a continuation of the sport’s excellent record of no positive doping tests at any of the four Summer Olympics that the sport has been a part of.

A final decision on which sports will be added to the current roster of 26 at the 2016 Summer Olympic Games will be made at the 121st IOC Session in Copenhagen in October this year.

MARACAY, Venezuela – The final out came via a strikeout by Monica Abbott (Salinas, Calif.) as the USA Softball Pan American Qualifier team defeated Canada, 3-1, to win the Gold at the Pan American Qualifier in Maracay, Venezuela. It was a team full of heart who had to battle back with two victories today after suffering an early loss in medal round play to Canada on Friday.
“We lost early and had to come back and battle through extra games to get to the Championship game so it made it that much sweeter. This team today showed a lot of heart. The younger players to USA Softball really stepped up and the older ones were great leaders,” said Abbott. “Overall Venezuela put on great event and the fans were amazing every game coming out in supporting. Also on qualifying here, we know we will be back in 2010 to fight for the World Championships on our home soil in Oklahoma City.”

“This is a magical group to be a part of. Today every player in the lineup came up and played a role in getting us two important victories. Monica (Abbott) was not only an outstanding pitcher but a team leader throughout the tournament and her performances show she is one of the top pitchers in the World,” said Pat Murphy (Northport, Ala.). “This was a great event for USA Softball and we hope to build on that for next year’s World Championships and beyond.”

USA 2, Venezuela 0

Megan Langenfeld (Bakersfield, Calif.), who finished second on the team hitting .658, gave the team its first run of the game with a double down the right field line to score Williams who doubled two batters earlier to get on base.

Starting pitcher Monica Abbott (Salinas, Calif.) walked the first batter but found her rhythm striking out four of the next six batters with the other two outs coming off pop ups.

A double by Galindo increased the U.S. lead to 2-0 in the second inning. Ashley Hansen (Chandler, Az.) drew a walk from pitcher Mariange Bogoda and a sac bunt by Melissa Roth (Long Beach, Calif.) put Hansen in scoring position. Hansen scored on the double but Galindo would be thrown out at third for the final out of the inning.

In the top of the fourth, with two outs, Rubilena Rojas hit a single to centerfield for Venezuela’s first hit of game. She would later be out at second caught stealing. The U.S. were held scoreless through the remaining innings, stranding three runners on base.

With two Venezuela runners on in the fifth, both who drew walks, and one out the crowd went crazy. However two Abbott strikeouts silenced both the bats and the crowd of over 3,000 who were on their feet to cheer for their home team.

Abbott concluded the one-hitter with 10 strike outs for her fifth win of the tournament.

USA 3, Canada 1- Championship Game

After knocking off the home team Venezuela 2-0, the U.S. faced a familiar foe in Canada for the Championship Game. Despite leaving seven runners on base, the United States came through when it counted, with Abbott allowing only one earned run, for the United States to defeat Canada 3-1 for the Championship game.

Abbott got the nod in the circle and only one runner would reach through the first two innings, off an error by Andrea Duran (Selma, Calif.) at third. Her Canada counterpart Danielle Lawrie allowed two U.S. hits in the second inning and a USA run. Langenfeld took the first pitch of her at bat for a single to left field. Kaitlin Cochran (Yorba Linda, Calif.) laid down a bunt that Canada could not defend to put runners at first and second. Hansen was up next for the USA and would pop up to first base. First baseman Sheena Lawrick attempted to pick off Cochran who dove back to first, but an errant throw left Cochran at first, with Langenfeld advancing to third. Langenfeld scored on a sac fly by Maggie Viefhaus (Eureka, Mo.) to put the U.S. up on the board with one run.

Canada countered with a run in the third when Melanie Matthews hit a solo shot over centerfield with two outs on the board. The tie only lasted that inning as the U.S. took the lead back 2-1 in the bottom of the third with Tammy Williams (Osceola, Mo.) scoring on a double to right field by Langenfeld. Williams singled to shortstop to get on base. It looked like more runs would go up as the bases were loaded, but two consecutive outs left three stranded.

An insurance run went up in the fourth when the United States faced a new Canada pitcher, Jenna Caira. A Williams single to centerfield scored Vicky Galindo (Union City, Calif.) who singled up the middle. That was all the U.S. needed as Abbott was phenomenal in the circle with eight strikeouts and only allowing three hits.

Langenfeld received the tournament honor for best hitter while Caitlin Lowe (Tustin, Calif.) made the All-Tournament team for the outfield.

This is the final event for USA Softball for the summer but it has been a successful summer with three Gold Medal finishes. Complete coverage of all these events can be found at www.usasoftball.com.