Statement_on_Softball_Not_Being_Among_2_Sports_Recommended
August 14, 2009
Media Statement From:
Don Porter, President of the InternationalSoftball Federation (ISF)
“We will continue to pursue our Olympicdream”
Berlin, (Germany); 13thAugust 2009: The president of the InternationalSoftball Federation, Don Porter, issued the following statement today followingthe decision by the International Olympic Committee Executive Board that didnot include softball among the two sports that will be recommended to the IOCSession in October for a vote on sports to be added to the 2016 Olympic GamesProgramme:
“The ISF and wider softballfamily is certainly disappointed by today’s decision by the IOC Executive Boardnot to recommend softball for reinstatement onto the Olympic Games Programme in2016.
“However, we respect theIOC’s decision and I tip my cap to golf and rugby for getting recommended andoffer my sentiments to the other four sports that were not successful today.
“The ISF has workedtirelessly for more than four years since we were voted off the 2012 OlympicProgramme and we have made tremendous advances in that time.
“Softball has more players,a long list of member federations, a more solid and appropriate organizationalframework, and development programs that are producing phenomenal results onevery continent.
“Our anti-doping record issecond to none and our culture and aspirations blend perfectly with the valuesthat the IOC seeks to promote.
“For softball,reinstatement to the Olympic Games would have been the catalyst for furthersustainable global growth, demonstrating the power of the Games.
“Softball players continueto dream of Olympic gold, the ultimate prize in our sport, and we will carry onour campaign for Olympic reinstatement to prove to the IOC that our sport fitswith Olympic values and ambitions and deserves a place on merit on the GamesProgramme.”
Gilles LeBlanc
Manager - Marketing and Communications Services
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