Each June 13th, the world celebrates World Softball Day, an opportunity to showcase how big the sport has become and how it has touched the lives of people of all ages and walks of life. Today, baseball and softball are practiced by millions of people across more than 140 countries and territories around the world.
The creation of World Softball Day by the WBSC (the now merged International Softball Federation) was inspired by the 13 June 1991 decision by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to add women’s softball to the Olympics, starting with the Atlanta 1996 Games.
World Softball Day is an opportunity to think, express and share what softball represents. But it’s not only about the sport, it’s about promoting physical activity and good health, as well as international spirit and social integration.
“Softball for me is a point of focus, it gives me direction, motivation and structure in my life,” expressed Philippines catcher Francesca Altomonte.
“It’s a way of life,” said Mariano Montero, captain of the Argentina Men’s National Softball Team. It's “passion and family” for Brazilian second baseman Samira Tanaka. While the Guatemalan Softball Team named some of the greatest values of the sport: hard work, discipline, friendship, respect, team work, passion and having fun.
What does softball mean to you? Share your feelings through social media, using the hashtag #WorldSoftballDay
