Softball Australia this week submitted an application to be included in the Sport Program for the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games.

Despite the Commonwealth Games imposing a ceiling on the number of team sports included in the program, the application was sort either for Men’s or Women’s Softball.

National Executive Director Neil Dalrymple said the invitation to submit an application was another step forward for Softball in Australia.

‘The invitation to apply for the Commonwealth Games is proof that Softball is heading in the right direction.’ Dalrymple said. ‘We are highly successful on the Women’s international circuit (ranked 3 in the world), and to have our men’s team given the same level of respect shows we are making headway in the sporting community.’

‘We are generally excited at the prospect of being involved in another major international tournament. The International Softball Federation has a goal to have Softball included in all major multi-sport events across the world.’

Softball Australia together with ISF and the other prominent Softball countries in the Commonwealth will continue to lobby for future inclusion should the bid for 2006 be unsuccessful.

For further information contact:

Helen Watson
National Media & Communication Manager
Softball Australia
5/40 Station Street
BAYSWATER VIC 3153
Ph: +61 3 9729 5200
Fax: +61 3 9729 5211
Mob: 0411 420 351
Email Helen.Watson@ausport.gov.au
Website www.softball.org.au