TWO EVENTS START THIS WEEKEND
2007-08-15

This coming Sunday, August 19th, two major international softball tournaments will begin with qualifications on the line.

In Valencia, Venezuela, the Americas Olympic Qualifier will start, with the winner gaining the final berth in next year’s softball competition at the Games in Beijing. The host team will be trying to secure their first-ever trip to the world’s stage, while Puerto Rico (1996) and Cuba (2000) will each be looking to get back for the second time. Already locked in for the 2008 Olympic Softball tournament are Australia, Canada, China, Chinese Taipei, Japan, the Netherlands, and USA.

Meanwhile, in Jakarta, Indonesia, this weekend, ten teams will be starting into the 9th Asian Women’s Championship. China, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand will all compete over five days at Senayan Stadium. At stake is not only the title of Asian Women’s Champion – currently held by Japan – but berths in the 2010 ISF Women’s World Championship.

Also noteworthy is an ISF/Softball Confederation of Asia Umpire Certification Course/Clinic being held in conjunction with the tournament in Jakarta. The four-day session is expected to have approximately 35 participants – half from Indonesia and others from different Asian countries.

The host of the 1997 South East Asian Games (which included men’s and women’s softball), Jakarta last hosted the Asian Women’s Softball Championship in 1991.

International Softball Federation President Don Porter anticipates attending the event in Indonesia, following his attendance at the softball competition at the World University Games.