African Softball Forum Launched Will Boost 2016 Bid

Softball’s bid for inclusion in the 2016 Summer Olympic Games got a boost with the launch of the African Softball Forum. The forum was officially launched by Hon. Sheriff Gomez, Gambian Secretary of State for Youth & sports.

The forum will include workshops on accessibility, sponsorship and marketing, the BackSoftball campaign, the development of sport in Africa and using sport as a peace-building tool.

ISF President Don Porter, speaking at the African Softball Forum in The Gambia, told delegates from 12 African nations that this is further proof of the ISF’s vision to promote softball to young people across the world.

He said, “this forum in Gambia will show that softball is the ideal gateway to sport for tens of millions of youth and women across Africa.  Softball is a fantastic sport for young people that has helped to promote peace and understanding around the world and the ISF is convinced it can have the same impact in Africa.  Easy to learn, cheap to play, and great fun, we’ve already heard positive stories about the impact softball is having on young people in the short time we have been here.

All of the delegates here this week will learn how softball can make a huge difference in the lives of young people and play a positive role in breaking down barriers that have troubled communities for years.  These are exciting times and the ISF is honoured to be a part of supporting the development of Africa”.