Taipei City Mayor Wen-Je Ko welcomed the the international baseball and softball community as the IV WBSC Congress started on Monday with 133 National Federations (30 softball, 39 baseball, and 32 combined, which act and have the right for two votes) present at the Marriot Hotel.
The quorum for the IV WBSC Congress is 124 (50% + 1 of the total number of WBSC voting delegates - 246)
Mayor Ko told delegates that hosting the WBSC Congress in Taipei City would prove a chance to strengthen the connection between his passionate baseball city and with the world's baseball and softball communities.
"Due to the pandemic, you won't be able to enjoy the beauties of our island. However, we believe that soon there will be such a day when you can be here again to visit."
The mayor added: "Baseball is inseparable from our daily lives. We're honoured to host several WBSC events, including the U-23 Baseball World Cup here in Taipei City."
Meanwhile, Jeffrey Koo Jr., the president of the Chinese Taipei Baseball Association (CTBA), thanked WBSC President Fraccari and the WBSC Executive Board for supporting CTBA in the organisation of the Congress.
"We love baseball on this island," added Koo. "We have developed the game for the last 120 years. From elementary school students to middle-aged people, from boys to girls, we fully enjoy the fun of baseball all year round."
President Fraccari thanked Mayor Ko for his passion for baseball and softball and CTBA President Koo, WBSC Vice President Tom Peng and Taiwanese authorities for "their tireless support and overcoming many obstacles" in organising the Congress.
"The CTBA and its leaders have really been a strong partner to our international game over the years. In addition to hosting this Congress, they will also host this year’s U-12 Softball , U-12 Baseball and the U-23 Baseball World Cup," Fraccari said.
Day one of the WBSC Congress on Monday features reports from President Fraccari as well reports on events, Baseball5 and finance before WBSC elections take place on Tuesday.
