International Olympic Committee Strikes Out Softball

[fastball]

Subject: International Olympic Committee Strikes Out Softball

Date: Fri, 10 Feb 2006 10:32:32 +1100 
From: "DiAnne Lilburn" <dianne.lilburn(at)softball.org.au> 




Media Release
10 February 2006

International Olympic Committee Strikes Out Softball

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) at its 118th Session
meeting in Torino today decided against even holding a vote for
the re-admission of softball, keeping it off the 2012 Olympic
Games program. 

 

Softball Australia President, Harvey Milson, today said that
“the sport was very disappointed with the IOC’s decision not
to take a vote to reinstate softball but all efforts would now
be directed into ensuring that softball is a vibrant sport in
Australia.”

 

Softball Australia Chief Executive, Susan Crow said “Whilst finding
it difficult to accept this decision, the process and the IOC
concerns regarding their credibility, we need to regroup and
focus on winning gold in Beijing 2008 and plan for the future
post Beijing.

 

Whilst our aspiring young athletes have had their dreams cut
short, they still have the opportunity to play in World Championships
and we are working hard to be admitted onto the Commonwealth
Games program for 2010.” Ms Crow took the opportunity to call
for a corporate backer to support the team’s preparation to ensure
success in Beijing. 

 

On 8 July 2005 the Softball world was rocked when a decision
by the IOC was made to drop the women’s sport from the 2012 Olympic
Games after a 52-52 vote. 

 

In the IOC’s final report for the 2000-2004 Olympiad it cited
their remarkable achievement in moving ‘gender equity’ to a higher
level. With softball the only stand alone women’s sport, and
the IOC stating that the percentage of female athletes participating
in the Athens Olympics was up to 41%, the decision seem unjust
with, what would be, the removal of not just 120 female athletes,
but many other female participants such as coaches, organisers,
umpires and administrators.  

 

With strong advocacy for the sport’s reinstatement from the International
Softball Federation (ISF), Softball Australia and other member
federations, the sport’s governing body was successful at having
softball’s Olympic status for the 2012 Games program put on the
agenda for the two day meeting.  

 

“Softball Australia was reasonably confident that common sense,
reason and fairness would prevail and that IOC members would
have the courage to reverse a poor decision.” Ms Crow said. She
sincerely thanked Australian Olympic Committee delegates and
the Australian Government for their support.  

 

The sport is universal and it has many additional qualities of
what is required for an Olympic sport, such as a clean doping
record, the best athletes participating in the Games, low cost
venues, and the promotion of women in sport. 

 

The ISF launched a “Never Give Up” plan to continue the needed
efforts and processes by all involved in softball to bring attention
to the positive, progressive and strong affirmatives of women’s
softball for its retention on the Olympic program in 2012 and
thereafter.  

 

The ISF President, Don Porter has led the campaign and should
be commended for his efforts to date, as well as softball supporters
who have rallied for its inclusion from not only Australia, but
worldwide. Softball Australia calls for continued support and
to NEVER GIVE UP! 



AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW

Susan Crow – Chief Executive Officer, Softball Australia

 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

DiAnne Lilburn

National Communications Coordinator

Softball Australia

Telephone: 03 9890 8200            

Mobile: 0405 509 674

 
____________________________________
DiAnne Lilburn
National Communications Coordinator
Softball Australia
Suite 4, Ground Floor
38-40 Prospect Street
Box Hill, Victoria 3128
 
T: +61 3 9890 8200
F: +61 3 9890 8295
M: +61 (0) 405 509 674
 
For more information visit www.softball.org.au
 
_____________________________________________________________________________
Did you know that Australia is the world's number one softball
nation?  
World number two - Open Women's team (Aussie Spirit), Silver
Medallist (Athens, 2004), Bronze Medallists (Sydney 2000 and
Atlanta 1996). 
World number one - Under 19 Men's team (Aussie Colts), three
consecutive World Championship titles. 
World number three - Open Men's team (Aussie Steelers) and Under
19 Women's team (Aussie Pride).
 
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