“This new discipline is accessible for anyone, anywhere.” — Peace & Sport
LAUSANNE, Switzerland – A new urban/street game concept recently launched by the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) has been named among three nominees for the Peace and Sport Award in the category of Sport made Simple.
WBSC’s new baseball/softball street concept aims to address and expand access to sport in underserved and diverse communities, and become a catalyst for social interaction, sharing, respect and prevention of violence, where resources or equipment are challenges.
Peace and Sport has put a special focus on “Sport Innovation for Social Transformation” as a theme of the awards.
The urban baseball/softball game requires only a rubber ball and fair play. The simplification of the major baseball/softball disciplines targets a fast-paced, fun, no-cost game and learning/social activity.
“WBSC is humbled and honoured to be among the excellent nominees of this year’s Peace and Sport Awards,” said WBSC President Riccardo Fraccari. “Baseball and softball have been enjoyed by hundreds of millions of people around the world for over 100 years, so we have been specifically focused on creating a fresh, new discipline that serves as an easy-to-access tool that provides similar social and sports development benefits, but with a smaller, simpler version of the game. This important social responsibility project perfectly aligns with our vision to reach one billion people across the globe, and this prestigious nomination further reaffirms that we are on the right path.”
WBSC representatives will be on hand at the 10th Peace and Sport Forum in Monte Carlo, Monaco, where the winner of the 2017 Sport Made Simple Award will be announced on 7 December.
The WBSC and the French Baseball Softball Federation (FFBS) collaborated to launch the new urban discipline at the Friendship Games in Bujumbura, Burundi, this past August.
