WBSC Secretary General Beng Choo Low: Baseball and softball can help spread peace in the world
"The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace is a good opportunity to celebrate the strength of the baseball and softball community, and the role of sport in general," said World Baseball Softball Confederation Secretary General Beng Choo Low, while adding "together, we can help each other #StayStrong, #StayActive and #StayHealthy".
As we honour the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, World Baseball Softball Confederation Secretary General Beng Choo Low reflects on the critical role sport is playing in keeping societies around the world fit and healthy during one of the most difficult periods in a generation. Humanity is faced with unchartered challenges and there is no greater call for essential global unity than now.
" The speed and ferocity with which the COVID-19 virus has morphed into a global pandemic has caught most of us by surprise.
Social distancing and other protective measures put in place around the world have rapidly changed how we engage with each other and will fundamentally change how we conduct our daily activities going forward.
During this time, we are greatly indebted to health officials and frontline staff all around the world who are risking their lives every day to keep us safe. We are very appreciative to those working in essential roles who continue to serve and we thank profusely the volunteers who continue to do what they can to provide for those in need.
The virus does not discriminate, and sport has unfortunately become one of its many victims. From youth all the way to professional, athletes and competitions around the world have been impacted in ways not seen since WWII.
The Olympic Games have been postponed to 2021 while the World Baseball Softball Confederation have suspended its 2020 competitions for the foreseeable future.
There is one positive to pick out from these unprecedented times, it is the spirit in which the international community has put its differences aside and come together.
Countries all over the world are supporting each other with the resources, knowledge and expertise needed to overcome this global pandemic and we have all become united by the same objective.
It is the same spirit under which we in the sporting world and Olympic Movement all operate. To leverage sport’s unique power to bring people together, regardless of their gender, age or ethnicity. And to use sport as a tool to create a more peaceful and healthy society.
The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace is a good opportunity to celebrate the strength of the baseball and softball community, and the role of sport in general. Together, we can help each other #StayStrong, #StayActive and #StayHealthy. It’s very important to also #BeActive and stay connected in these challenging times, where we have all had to adapt our daily routines and find creative ways to confront our new reality.
And at a time when many of us are confined to our homes, sport is also playing a key role in keeping our societies fit and active. Those of you who follow athletes on social media will have had their feeds populated with fun and creative ways on how to exercise from home. Our own Coach Commission has provided support though video messaging as well as indoor drills to keep up your baseball and softball skills.
The WBSC has been involved in many activities in the domain and peace and sport and will continue to do so. Last month, WBSC President Riccardo Fraccari signed a Memorandum of Understanding with World Taekwondo and the Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation to promote humanitarian, social inclusion, peace and development-supporting activities.
As a proud member of the UNHCR and International Olympic Committee “Sports Coalition”, the WBSC has pledged to improve access for all refugees to safe and inclusive sporting facilities, increase baseball-softball and sport-based initiatives for refugees and hosting communities, and promote and facilitate equal access to and participation of refugees in sporting events and competitions.
The WBSC family is definitely aware of sports’ unique ability to bring communities together, inspired by the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect, and will continue to strive to do so. Everyone has a role to play.
In the meantime, stay safe and continue to follow your government’s advice on protective measures. I, for one, am looking very much to seeing our stadiums fill up once again and our sport of baseball-softball make its spectacular return on the Olympic stage.
Stay safe and healthy. Be positive and strong. "
Beng Choo Low WBSC Secretary General
During this time, we are greatly indebted to the public health officials all around the world who are risking their lives every day to keep us safe
World Baseball Softball Confederation Secretary General Beng Choo Low
