Ottawa, Ont. – Softball Canada has officially submitted a bid to host the 2019 World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Olympic Qualifier in Surrey, British Columbia.
 
This qualifier will have sixteen (16) teams competing for two berths in the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. Japan (Host) and the United States (2018 World Champions) have secured two of the six berths so far. Other regional qualifiers will take place in Asia/Oceania (one berth) and Europe/Africa (one berth).
 
“We are delighted to be partnering on this bid with the experienced and highly successful organizing committee in Surrey, who have staged 24 Canada Cups and the 2016 WBSC Women’s Softball World Championships. With the enthusiastic support of the City of Surrey, we are confident in the strength of this bid” stated Kevin Quinn, President of Softball Canada.
 
“Our organizing team has prepared a bid that showcases our strengths as a host nation” says bid Chair Greg Timm. “We have proven our ability to deliver an exceptional experience for players, coaches, international delegates, support staff and fans, and we have highlighted that as part of our bid.”
 
A decision on the successful bid is expected in September.
 
Canada recently won the Bronze medal at the 2018 WBSC Women’s World Championships in Japan, making it two World Championship Bronze medals in a row (also winning the Bronze at the 2016 event in Surrey).