by InTrieste
Nestled in the northeastern corner of Italy, Friuli Venezia Giulia, a region better known for its rolling vineyards and historic towns, has quietly become the epicenter of international softball. With the successful hosting of the Softball World Cup qualifiers and finals in 2023, and a series of high-profile events this year, the region has established itself as a global powerhouse in the sport.
Last night, the spotlight was on Buttrio, a small town with a deep-rooted passion for baseball and softball, as it played host to the opening ceremony of the Women’s Softball European Premier Cup 2024. The tournament, which draws the top clubs from across Europe, marks yet another milestone for Friuli Venezia Giulia in its ascent to the pinnacle of the sport.
The event, attended by local dignitaries and sports enthusiasts, was inaugurated by Mario Anzil, the Vice Governor of Friuli Venezia Giulia, who was standing in for Governor Massimiliano Fedriga. In his remarks, Anzil expressed pride in the region’s ability to host competitions of this caliber, stating, “Our region can truly be called the world capital of softball. We are proud to welcome these international-level competitions to our territory and are confident in our ability to host many more prestigious events in the future.”
The Premier Cup, which features ten teams from nine countries, including the Netherlands, Belgium, and Great Britain, is the latest in a series of events that have transformed Friuli Venezia Giulia into a magnet for elite softball competitions. The choice of Buttrio’s meticulously maintained diamonds by the World Baseball Softball Confederation Europe for the finals of the Women’s Softball European Champions Cup 2024 further underscores the region’s growing reputation.
Friuli Venezia Giulia is home to over 2,800 sports associations and tens of thousands of volunteers, whose dedication ensures that youth across the region have the opportunity to participate in sports at all levels, including at a competitive level. This robust sports system, coupled with significant regional investments, is positioning Friuli Venezia Giulia as a leader in the global sports arena.
