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World Softball Day celebrated globally with sport's Olympic return less than 40 days away

World Softball Day celebrated globally with sport's Olympic return less than 40 days away
14/06/2021
Softball players, coaches, teams, federations and fans made World Softball Day a global celebration.

With less than 40 days to softball’s much-awaited return to the Olympic Games at Tokyo 2020, fans, players, coaches and teams around the globe yesterday celebrated the 16th edition of World Softball Day.

Thirty years ago, on 13 June 1991, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) officially announced that softball would be part of the Olympic programme for the first time in history, starting with the Atlanta 1996 Games. 

Teams and players getting ready for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics shared their feelings on this day. Japan’s Eri Yamada expressed her gratitude with the fans for their support, while Amanda Fama (Italy), Taylah Tsitsikronis (Australia) and Natalie Wideman (Canada) expained what the World Softball Day means to them.

National Federations and teams from every corner of the globe also celebrated World Softball Day on social media, in another display of the sport’s global footprint and reach. In Karaj, Iran, the Iran Baseball and Softball Federation held a ceremony celebrate the day.

India Softball Association President Neetal Narang took the opportunity to launch a nationwide school training programme, aiming to develop the game in the country and introduce softball at an early age.

Some of the top leagues in the world also commemorated the day. The Japanese Softball League recalled the 30th anniversary of the IOC announcement, while Athletes Unlimited expressed the gratitude “for the people, the memories, and everything this sport has given us so far.”

And countless fans of all ages, from youth categories to slow pitch players, from professional athletes to amateur players, also expressed their love for the game.

Just weeks ahead of the sport's upcoming Olympic return, the softball world joined together on World Softball Day -- inspired by the past, celebrating the present and embracing its bright future.