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From the sadness of the Christchurch earthquake, Softball rises to the Challenge
On February 22nd, 2011 the beautiful city of Christchurch in the South Island of New Zealand suffered a disturbing earthquake that led to extensive damage to building and property and some loss of life. The Garden City is the 2nd largest city in New Zealand and has taken a big hit in what has been described as a "once in 3000 years" event.
At the time the earthquake struck Dianne McDermott, one of the organisers of the Vintage Softball Carnival was at the Mainland Foundation Ballpark discussing arrangements for the 2012 World Vintage Softball Carnival. She was meeting with Cheryl Kemp , the progressive Chief Executive of Softball Canterbury, the host organisation of the Carnival. Fortunately they suffered only minor cuts and bruises and while there was damage at the Ballpark it is repairable and the facility will be ready and waiting for participants in the 2012 Carnival.
Accommodation arranged for the Carnival suffered damage but motels and hotels selected will be available to host our guests in April next year.
So amidst the tragedy and damage Vintage Softball and Softball Canterbury have agreed the show must go on…..next April (2012) the 3rd World Vintage Softball Carnival will be staged in Christchurch as planned. We are going to meet the challenge of supporting the people of Christchurch and the special Softball fraternity as they reconstruct their city and its facilities.
As soon as the announcement was made the Christchurch City Council indicated their support; Tui Breweries confirmed their sponsorship and the 1st 3 team entries were received before invites had even been issued.
The staging of the Vintage Softball Carnival will be a major highlight of the 2011-2012 season for Softball Canterbury….we are proud to be part of their program and look forward to joining them to welcome teams, players, officials and supporters to this wonderful friendly city.
On behalf of the Canterbury Softball family, I extend an invitation to softballers worldwide to attend our hosting of the Vintage Softball Carnival in Christchurch New Zealand in April 2012. We are excited at the opportunity to showcase our sport, city and country to locals and international visitors alike. We urge the US, Canadian, Australian, Asian and European softball fraternity to join with our Kiwi teams in a celebration of senior softball. I am extremely confident Canterbury softball family will rise to the challenge of ensuring your softball experience in Christchurch in April 2012 exceeds your expectations.
Les Butts, Chairman of the Board of Canterbury Softball
The Carnival will be played 7th and 14th April 2012.
All games will be played at the extensive Mainland Foundation Softball Park in suburban Christchurch. The Ball Park is the home of Softball Canterbury, one of New Zealand’s leading Softball Associations and has hosted numerous national and international tournaments including the 2004 World Championships.
The facility has 12 top quality grass diamonds and 2 championship diamonds-one of which is floodlit allowing us to consider playing some of our games under lights. The facility will allow all teams to play all their games at the Ballpark. A substantial clubrooms, grandstand viewing area, cafeteria and bar complete an outstanding international standard complex.
Both Fastpitch and Slowpitch will be offered to players over the age of 35 who still enjoy competitive softball relative to their age, agility and experience and importantly enjoy playing against teams from other parts of the world.
Fastpitch is offered for men’s and women’s teams graded according to age and self-assessed ability levels. To ensure that no teams will be mismatched the 1st day will feature grading games and the competition will be played over the next 3 days.
Slowpitch is offered for men’s, women’s and co-ed teams on the same basis.
Softball Canterbury will be providing the Umpire in Chief and will have a roster of umpires. Visiting umpires will be welcomed and will be able to umpire games as they wish (and will be eligible for umpiring fees).
Softball Canterbury will be providing scorers though visiting scorers will be welcomed to take part in the Carnival.
Softball Canterbury and Vintage Softball will be managing a pool system for players looking for teams and teams looking for players. Local players will be available to join teams that require players and to "top up" part teams.
Fastpitch
Slowpitch
Every team will play 2 grading games, 6 round robin games and a final over 4 days.
An elaborate Opening Celebration will be staged at Mainland Foundation Ballpark and Nga Hau E Wha National Marae featuring meals, refreshments and entertainment. A fun Closing Party and Prize-giving will be staged at Mainland Foundation Ballpark-a good old Hoe Down featuring refreshments, meal and great entertainment.
Accommodation packages are available at hotels and motels in good proximity to the Ballpark and the wonderful gardens, restaurants and bars that are still standing and that will rise again in Christchurch.
Prices begin at NZ$1,095-(share quad) which as at today (8th March 2010) equates to Aus$805.00; US$810.00; Can$795.00; GBP500.00 and Euro580.00.
Entry fee per team is NZ$200.00 per team and NZ$50.00 per person registering as an individual.
Packages include the following:
Entry forms are on the website at www.vintagesoftball.comand are available on-line or by down-loading and printing a manual form that can then be completed and faxed to +64 9 4256956 or mailed to:
PO Box 78, Snells Beach 0942, New Zealand.
It is great for Softball Canterbury and Christchurch to have teams on board so quickly and so positively.
If you need more information about the Carnival, about Christchurch, about New Zealand, how to get here or need a supply of brochures please let us know.
Read more on Vintage softball website. www.vintagesoftball.com
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