A baseball and softball renaissance is being planned in Burkina Faso, the French-speaking West African country of approximately 20 million people.
Ibrahima Sibore, the newly elected, young president of the Burkina Faso Baseball and Softball Federation (FBBS, Federation Burkinabe de Baseball et Softball), has decided to refer to his term in office as a 'Renaissance'.
"We intend to restore motivation amongst the people involved in baseball and softball in our country," said Sibore. "Let me quote St Anthony of Padua, who said that stones by themselves could only be stones, but if they come together can become a temple."
He added: "I mean that we can't do anything alone. We need everybody to come together to make this term successful. Sport promotes peace and cohesion. We are open to the contribution from all those who wish to develop baseball and softball in Burkina Faso."
The new leader of baseball and softball in the nation spoke about his vision for the next four years.
"We are starting by visiting the clubs. We are planning a General Assembly on the status of the game, and we also plan to launch high school and college championships. Our goal is to maintain the title of West African Baseball Champions."
Abraham Zoma, Director General of High-Level Sports with the Ministry, guaranteed his support of baseball and softball.
"We intend to fund baseball and softball to help the National Teams travel abroad when needed. The idea of competition for high schools and colleges makes me very happy."
FBBS returned to activity on 25 October. The opening was also witnessed by the Japanese Ambassador to Burkina Faso and a representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency.
