by EH
In an evening ceremony marked by enthusiasm and community pride, the Friuli Venezia Giulia region affirmed its commitment to fostering sports and culture as it inaugurated the XVII Softball World Cup. This event, showcasing teams from eight nations, underscores the region’s ambition to be a leading host of international competitions.
Mario Anzil, the Vice Governor of Friuli Venezia Giulia with responsibility for Sports, articulated the region’s vision during the opening ceremony. “Friuli Venezia Giulia is the region in Italy that invests the most in the sports and culture sectors,” Anzil declared. “This responsibility compels us to use these resources effectively so that they can act as a catalyst for the community’s well-being, extending beyond the economic development of families and businesses.”
The Softball World Cup, held in Castions di Strada from July 15 to 20, represents a significant milestone for the region. The event is organized by the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC), in collaboration with the Italian Baseball Softball Federation (FIBS) and with the support of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region.
The opening ceremony was attended by notable figures including Mauro Bordin, President of the Regional Council, Riccardo Fraccari, President of the WBSC, and Andrea Marcon, President of FIBS. The dignitaries participated in the event’s inaugural proceedings and watched the Italian team face off against China in their debut match.
In a gesture of appreciation, Anzil announced the anticipated visit of Andrea Abodi, Minister for Sports and Youth, on Wednesday. “I want to thank him in advance for the support, proximity, and attention he has always shown to our region,” Anzil said.
This year’s Softball World Cup marks the first edition with a two-phase format. Last year, Friuli Venezia Giulia hosted one of the qualifying group matches, demonstrating its readiness for major sporting events. The teams competing for the championship include Italy, Canada, and the United States in Group A, and Australia, Japan, the Netherlands, and Puerto Rico in Group B.
The tournament’s structure includes a Super Round on July 18 and 19, where the top two teams from each group will compete in cross-group matches to determine the pairings for the finals. The remaining teams will similarly contest to establish their final positions from fifth to eighth place.
For more details on the tournament schedule, visit the official FIBS website.
