Olympic Softball (long)

[Jlsellie]

From the Olympic Executive Commission in August 2002: "Softball: Participation on a global level was reviewed, and it was concluded that softball is popular in certain countries, but this popularity is not reflected throughout entire regions or continents. This has resulted in relatively low global broadcast and press levels. In addition, the high cost of venue construction for the Olympic competition was noted. In particular this is caused by the need for softball-specific venues for competition and training, and the fact that due to the relatively low global particiation, there are few cities having existing venues at the required level, or a demand for the use of such venues following the Games. As a result of these considerations, the Commision recommends the exclusion of softball from the Programme of the Games of the XXIX Olympiad."

It was also recommended to exclude baseball and modern pentathlon. The softball community worldwide is being asked to voice their displeasure with the Program Commission's recommendation, via the IOC website. From www.olympic.org, fans, players, coaches, umpires, and all of those connected to the sport can click on Public Suggestions and complete the electronic forms that will allow them to register their support of softball in the Summer Games.

Sorry for the length of this post, but its important for softball!!