12/09/2023 1 Minute Read

Miyoshi City Mayor Satoshi Fukuoka: "We want the Kinsai Stadium to be a sacred place for Women's Baseball"

Miyoshi city in Japan treated the WBSC Family and the teams participating in the IX Women's Baseball World Cup Group B to a welcome reception. WBSC Secretary General Beng Choo Low said: "We feel flattered by the attention and care we see in Mayor Satoshi Fukuoka's welcome plan."

The city of Miyoshi welcomed the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Family and the Teams participating in the IX WBSC Women's Baseball World Cup Group B, presented by CARNEXT.

"I'm aware of the excitement about the games tomorrow," said Mayor Satoshi Fukuoka, who has been a top-level high school baseball player. "I still hope we can forget about tomorrow's games for tonight and enjoy each other's company."

Miyoshi is one of the Women's Baseball Cities of Japan. Still, Mayor Fukuoka wants more.
"Our goal is to make the Miyoshi Kinsai Stadium a sacred place for the Women's Baseball world."

WBSC Secretary-General Beng Choo Low added: "As the world baseball and softball governing body, we feel flattered by the attention and care we see in Mayor Satoshi Fukuoka's welcome plan."

"It is my pleasure to represent the WBSC in this area rich in nature and with historical memories dating back 450 years," Mrs Low continued.

The WBSC Secretary-General spent a few words on the new format of the Women's Baseball World Cup. "The WBSC has introduced this new-stage format to involve more women's baseball programmes in the event. Competing internationally is the ultimate goal of every baseball or softball programme."

Mrs Low added: "Having more countries develop women's baseball intending to participate in the Women's Baseball World Cup is the long-term objective."

On a final note, she said: "On behalf of the WBSC and President Riccardo Fraccari, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Women's Baseball Federation of Japan, the Local Organising Committee and the Miyoshi City authorities for their hard work and meticulous preparation. We all appreciate your tireless efforts."

The WBSC presented to Hiroko Yamada, the president of the Women's Softball Federation of Japan, a plaque in appreciation of her continuous effort in developing women's baseball.