MEDIA RELEASE
NO. 628 / 2010
27 AUGUST 2010


Delegates of the International Softball Federation, the Executive Committee of Softball South Africa, members of the Western Province Softball Federation and City of Cape Town officials, will conduct a venue inspection for the Junior Women’s World Softball Championships to be held in Athlone in December 2011

A delegation dinner will follow the inspection where Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services, Councillor Brett Herron, will officiate.

The event is run by the International Softball Federation and is hosted by Softball South Africa and the Western Province Softball Federation in Cape Town.

The Secretary-General of the International Softball Federation, Ms. Low Beng Choo and the Competition Director, Ms. Laurie Gouthro, are amongst those who will attend the venue inspection.

Turfhall site inspection
Date: Sunday 29 August
Time: 16:00
Venue: Turfhall Sports Complex, Belthorne Estate, Athlone

Delegation Dinner
Date: Sunday 29 August
Time: 19:00
Venue: Mayoral Suite, Athlone Stadium, Cross Boulevard, off Klipfontein Road, Athlone

All media are welcome to attend.

In 2007, the Western Province Softball Federation won the bid to host the 2011 Junior Women’s World Softball Championships (Under-19). The City of Cape Town played a major role in the bid and pledged its support to assist with the competition.

Major upgrades are currently underway at the Turfhall Sports Complex in Athlone, which houses the softball stadium.

The event will see 16 countries participating, including South Africa and current champions, the USA. It is expected to generate an unprecedented level of interest and exposure within the sporting industry.

Hosting this competition could be a forerunner to hosting the senior championships in the future. South Africa has a proven track record for hosting major international sporting events. Besides successfully welcoming the world for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, South Africa has hosted a number of other high-profile international sporting events, including the Cricket and Rugby World Cups, the UCBI Cycling World events, the FIVB Beach Volleyball, and the 20-20 Cricket World Cup, amongst others. This tournament seeks to build on that success, ensuring that Cape Town remains a sporting destination of choice in the world.


END

ISSUED BY:
LISLE BROWN, MEDIA LIAISON OFFICER
CITY OF CAPE TOWN
TEL: 021 400 3065 CELL: 084 888 1901

MEDIA ENQUIRIES:
GERT BAM
DIRECTOR SPORT, RECREATION AND AMENITIES
TEL: 021 400 5090 CELL: 084 222 1242