WBSC Women's Softball World Cup trophy revealed
“With the trophy revealed, the curtain rises on the Softball World Cup,” said moderator and RAI journalist Simona Rolandi while removing the drape covering the World Cup display case with FIBS President Andrea Marcon, CONI President Giovanni Malagò and Team Italy softball captain Giulia Longhi standing nearby at the WBSC Women's Softball World Cup official press conference held at the BNL d'Italia Tennis International Stadium conference room on Thursday morning, May 18, 2024.
FITP President Angelo Binaghi welcomed attendees and proclaimed, “We are happy and honored to host the presentation of such an important event of such a prestigious sport. I have been united with Andrea (Marcon) for some time not only by a deep friendship, but also by a broad sharing of some values that are fundamental for us for the development of sport in Italy. And, in my opinion, the analogies also extend to our two disciplines because they are two very popular and much more widespread sports in the world, Our sports have many similarities, not only because in both we hit the ball but because we have already shared projects for the mutual valor of our respective events in recent years and in the future we will try to do something even bigger together. It is a great honor that the World Championships start from the Foro Italico, the home of tennis, and we hope that the National Softball team achieves a great result.”
FIBS President Andrea Marcon said, “I thank President Binaghi for his words and for his hospitality today. We are going to Friuli Venezia Giulia because this project was born when I still had no intention of becoming president of the Federation and I was organizing events with my team. The dream was to bring the World Championship to Italy and Friuli Venezia Giulia, because the commitment of the Region with President Fedriga was incredible for our movement: he believed in an important operation for the launch of the IoSonoFriuliVeneziaGiulia brand. Which also means the relaunch of a Region which, among all the tourist excellences of our country, is perhaps the least known. We are at Castions di Strada because we can build a softball arena worthy of this event and we are also there because ours is a proactive working group that does not create problems, but seeks solutions. As regards the direct collaboration with FITP, the World Championship will be one of the showcases for the ATP Finals. At the moment, the ticket office tells us that travelers from abroad account for around 73% of attendees. Softball and baseball in Italy are small sports but are very popular globally."
Team Italy softball captain Giulia “Panda” Longhi and Azzurre manager Federico Pizzolini also shared some thoughts at the press conference. The Italian hot corner infielder declared, “For us it is with great emotion and pride to host and play the World Cup in Italy for the first time. We will play one game at a time and we will do everything to get the desired result.”
Italian skipper Federico Pizzolini added, “We will face China first on July 15th, but we must not look at who our opponents are. Instead, we must take care of our own business and proudly live up to the expectation of wearing the blue jersey with pride and representing our country properly. Knowing the girls, I can only hope that their commitment will be rewarded."
CONI President Giovanni Malagò could not miss such an important event and greeted the room by recalling his connection with baseball and softball. "I wanted to be present because I am fond of these disciplines. The awarding of this event is a victory for President Marcon and FIBS which, in the past, has been able to host large events. I'm happy that after the Tokyo break, baseball and softball are back. They will be in Los Angeles in 2028 and I hope they can remain permanently on the Olympic programme. Thanks also to the Internazionali BNL d'Italia who hosted us, giving us the opportunity for great resonance.”
FIBS President Andrea Marcon commented, “We had the idea of involving as many sports as possible around this World Cup. On Sunday we will be guests of the Udine Basketball Association, then we will be present at the Mortegliano stage of the Giro d'Italia. On May 29th we will present the trophy at the headquarters of the Milan-Cortina Foundation, and the cup will tour around Lombardy before going to Turin for the Regional Tournament and continuing on to Friuli Venezia Giulia where it will remain awaiting the World Cup.”
Also present at the press conference was Edison, energy partner of the World Championship, with engineer Daniele Bellini. He said, “Thank you for your hospitality. Edison is present in Friuli Venezia Giulia with many power plants and we are proud to be one of the partners of an event that has international relevance. We have decided to support such an important initiative both to promote the sporting side, but also that of social responsibility, one of our cornerstones, with a small contribution every evening in favor of a different association.”
Senator Francesca Tubetti closed the press conference and exclaimed, "I couldn't miss it, because baseball and softball are part of our territory, our children are growing up, I grew up on the diamonds of the many small municipalities that make up Friuli Venezia Giulia . This event must not go unnoticed, but it is something worth telling because cameras from all over the world will focus on the Castions di Strada field to show a healthy sport, made of sacrifice, patience, and moments of speed and friendship, which are a it's a bit of a synthesis of our being Friulian.”
Forza #Italia!
by Fabio Ferrini and Roberto Angotti
(Photo of FIBS President Andrea Marcon and FITP President Angelo Binaghi by Supertennis/FITP)
