Low Beng Choo delivers a report to the general assembly during the ISF Congress this past weekend.

WOMEN + SPORT = SOFTBALL
2007-10-31

Even though men’s softball is alive and well, the spotlight – or, sport light – seems to shine a little brighter on the women’s game, probably due to its Olympic status. However, the female athletes aren’t the only women contributing to the sport of softball worldwide.

The International Softball Federation (ISF) sees to it that continued efforts are made to bring more women into high profile softball positions, including umpiring, coaching, and administration. Just last month, at its world headquarters, the ISF hosted a Female Umpiring Forum, which was attended by nine females representing all regions of the world (Africa, Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania).

That was followed by a similar themed workshop last Friday during the XXIII ISF Congress in Manila. The ISF’s Women & Sport Commission also had a session during last week’s meetings.

“We are continually seeking more ways for females to have opportunities within softball that aren’t just restricted to the field of play,” said ISF President Don Porter. “What the ISF is doing as well as our national federations is a good reflection of that.”

In late 2004 the ISF reported to the International Olympic Committee that one-third of their member national federations had females in leadership positions (i.e. President, Secretary General). In addition, two-thirds of the ISF's Secretariat is composed of female administrators and directors.

Below is a look (alphabetical by last name) at some of the females that are already making significant contributions to softball (photos at bottom of page):

Jackline AL-DUQOM – a two-time Olympian in table tennis, she attended last week’s ISF Congress as the delegate from the ISF’s newest member federation, the Jordan Softball Union, of which she is the president.

Annie CONSTANTINIDES – recently appointed as an At-Large Member of the ISF Executive Council, she was both the Competition & Venue Manager for the Olympic Softball competition in 2004 in her home country of Greece.

Jelena CUSAK – elected in October 2005 as one of the ISF’s two VPs/Europe, she is the Secretary General of the Croatian Softball Association and a current member of their national team.

Donna DE VARONA – a two-time Olympic gold medalist in swimming, she is the founding member and first president of the Women’s Sports Foundation. With the ISF she serves as the Co-Chair of the Strategic Task Force.

Peta EDEBONE – a three-time Olympic Softball medalist (Team Australia, bronze, 1996 & 2000, silver in 2004), she is the Athlete Representative on the ISF Executive Council.

Mrs. HE Huixian – the ISF’s Executive Vice President for Olympic Softball, she is also the President of the China Softball Association and Vice President of China’s National Olympic Committee.

Francoise Kameni LELE – the Vice President of the Cameroon Softball Federation, she is the newest appointee to the ISF’s Strategic Task Force.

LOW Beng Choo – the ISF Deputy Secretary General (pictured above), she is the President of the Softball Association of Malaysia and Secretary General of the Softball Confederation of Asia.

Fridah SHIROYA – an At-Large Member of the ISF Executive Council, she is the President of the Kenya Softball Federation.

Michele SMITH – a two-time Olympic gold medalist (USA softball team, 1996 & 2000), she still plays in a pro league in Japan and does color commentary on softball broadcasts on ESPN. She is a member of the ISF’s Strategic Task Force.

In addition, the ISF will be making an announcement shortly on the umpires chosen to work the 2008 Olympic Softball competition. Six of those individuals will be females.

Jackline Al-Duqom & the Jordan Olympic Committee have started softball there.	Annie Constantinides listens during the Congress on Saturday.	Jelena Cusak at the 2005 ISF Athletes Commission meeting.
Donna de Varona in Torino in early 2006.	Peta Edebone in Plant City Stadium in a January 2006 visit to the ISF.	Mrs. HE Huixian at the '05 China National Games Closing Ceremonies.
Francoise Kameni Lele before the closing dinner this past Saturday.	Fridah Shiroya during the talks forming the African Softball Confederation	Michele Smith after receiving her 2000 Olympic gold medal.