The Finnish National Softball Team held their first training camp this past weekend with an ambitious long-term goal in mind: to qualify for the LA28 Olympic Games, where baseball and softball will potentially be played. The dream road to Los Angeles got off to a concrete start in Seinäjoki, where 30 players gathered for the first national team training camp.
Jukka Ropponen, president of the Finnish Baseball and Softball Association, said: “I think our first camp was a moment for the players to remember, when the national team uniforms with the Olympic Committee emblems were ready,” according to the Finnish Olympic Committee website. “It’s the first time these athletes have even thought about representing a national team. When such an opportunity arises, it changes the view.”
The 2022 Women’s Softball European Championship in Barcelona in July, will mark Finland's international softball debut.
“This year we are looking for experience. On the other hand, it is good for these young players when it comes to a multi-year project. In the coming years, there are plans to make more experienced players available as schedules work better,” said Rapponen.
With about six and a half years to go to the Los Angeles Olympics, the next European Championship might be the key for Finland to qualify for LA28. “Then the goal is to be in the medal positions, but we are not talking about any bronzes -- 2025 is about winning the European Championship,” Ropponen stated.
