Instructor Eliseo Malespín (kneeling) in a demonstration during the two-day program in Guatemala. (Photo courtesy of Guatemala Softball Association) |
GUATEMALA DEVELOPING MORE LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS
2007-03-26
The Guatemala Softball Association (GSA) recently held an informational and hands-on program for the cities of Totonicapan, Huehetenango, and Quetzaltenango, three local associations and soon-to-be-members of the National Association. The two-day program was held last month in Quetzaltenango in hopes of introducing and furthering the development of the sport in these three cities.
With the support and presence of the president of the national governing body, Carlos Larranaga Gomar, and the executive council for the association, the program consisted of two phases: Friday night for teachers, coaches, umpires, and scorers, and Saturday for 20 players (ten men and ten women).
During the first day, GSA member Gustavo Lopez held discussions on umpiring in the field, rules, and case plays during games. Saturday, coaches Rodrigo Navarro, Eliseo Malespin, and Julio Albizures lectured players on softball skills such as proper use of the glove and pitching and batting techniques. After the seminars, players got the chance to show what they have learned by competing in games between the three cities (see photo below).
As a thank you for participating, each association was given a softball starter kit. The kits included: rule books, a pitcher training manual, a program for the preparation of players, basics of the competition, the Softball Association Code and State Softball Association Code, examples of statutes to set associations, two dozen balls, six bats, one set of bases, and compensation to cover the program participation expenses. The kits will give the participating associations a kick start to their future softball programs.
Guatemala is one of approximately 70 countries that has received development assistance (equipment and/or clinic) from the International Softball Federation over the last five years.
Action during the games between the cities. (Photo courtesy of Guatemala Softball Association) |
