OLYMPIAN’S VISIT, HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCEMENT HIGHLIGHT ACTIVITY AT WORLD HEADQUARTERS
2004-07-02

The ISF held a media luncheon today at its world headquarters facility in Plant City, Florida. The program highlighted next month’s Olympic softball competition, the 1st World University Softball Championship – this October in Plant City – and the announcement of the world governing body’s plans to have work started on the ISF Hall of Fame & Museum.

Today’s gathering drew media members and local officials, and Greek Olympic softball team member Ginny Georgantäs (pictured above with ISF President Don Porter) was on-hand as well.

Mr. Porter commented on next month’s Olympics, and specifically the softball competition, which will be the sport’s third appearance in the Summer Games.

Georgantäs answered questions and spoke of her pride in representing the host country at the August 14-23 competition.

ISF Director of Competition Laurie Gouthro detailed the World University Softball Championship, which will take place October 26-31 at Plant City Stadium. Fifteen countries have entered a team in what is expected to ultimately be a 12-team tournament.

The ISF President then announced the federation’s readiness to begin the planning and design process of the ISF Hall of Fame & Museum at its Plant City complex. The newest acquisition to the headquarters and training complex will be approximately 5,500 square feet. It will be converted from what is currently warehouse-type space on the west end of the administration building. The present contents are the various new and used softball equipment items that the ISF’s development department uses to send to developing softball countries.

A formal press release on the Hall of Fame announcement can be viewed from the Press Releases section of this website in the Communications section.

VIPs in attendance today included Plant City Mayor Mike Sparkman, City Manager David Sollenberger, Assistant to the City Manager Michael Karr, Plant City Chamber of Commerce President Marion Smith and Chamber Chairman Jennifer Closshey. In addition, Tampa Bay Sports Commission Executive Director Rob Higgins was on-hand, along with the Tampa Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau’s Terri Parnell (National Sports Manager) and Karen Brand (Marketing Director). Other guests included Cal Calhoun from the Plant City Parks & Recreation Department and former Plant City Mayor Randy L. Larson, for whom the four-field complex on the world headquarters grounds is named.