Two girls in the Ukraine show equipment that was brought by European Development Facilitator Pavel Prachar.

UKRAINE CONTINUES BUILDING SOFTBALL
2007-05-08

European Development Facilitator Pavel Prachar traveled to the Ukraine last month to provide coaching, pitching, and umpiring assistance. His clinics were held in conjunction with the Shigalevski Cup (see photo below), which consisted of four Ukraine club teams and two from Russia.

During the tournament Prachar observed the umpires, making notes and discussing them after the games.

After the second night’s games, a clinic was given in a classroom setting, and focused on proper fundamentals and basics of pitching.

The next day they stayed on the field after the games and talked about drills.

At the request of the local organizers, the clinic was focused on pitching. But, during the four days of the tournament, Prachar had several opportunities to speak with some coaches or players about hitting, bunting, and defensive plays.

Prachar also provided some equipment help and reported that the national softball federation is seriously considering sending a team to the European Championship U15 Girls in Pilsen, Czech Republic, this summer.

Prachar discussed several ways to help softball in the Ukraine with the president of the inviting club team and later with other representatives in Kiev. Soon after Mr. Prachar's depature the national softball federation was to hold their annual meeting and these matters were to be among the business discussed as the efforts continue to grow the sport there.

Pavel Prachar (back row, center, wearing dark hat) poses with the Shegalevski Cup's winning team, Kalita, one of the two Russian entries.