WBSC President Fraccari leads delegation in Australia for meetings with Brisbane 2032 OCOG
World Baseball Softball Confederation President Riccardo Fraccari led a WBSC delegation in Australia for key meetings with Baseball Australia, Softball Australia and the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee.
President Fraccari was joined in Brisbane by Executive Director Michael Schmidt and Chief Operating Officer Marco Ienna and met with Baseball Australia CEO Glenn Williams and Softball Australia CEO Sarah Loh.
A key moment with WBSC’s ambitions to see Baseball/Softball included on the sports programme for the Olympic Games Brisbane 2032, they observed the OCOG’s preparations for the Games and met with its CEO Cindy Hook and Director of Sport Brendan Keane.
They were joined by Williams and Loh with the discussion further enriched by the insights of four-time Olympic Softball medallist Tanya Harding and three-time Softball Olympian Stacey Porter, as well as Australian baseball star Tim Atherton, who shared their experiences on the profound impact that Softball, Baseball and the Olympic Games have had on their lives, from junior level to professional careers.
The WBSC delegation - who were able to observe the opening ceremony and match of the Australia Under 23 Men’s Softball National Championships, in addition to discussing the continued development of both Baseball/Softball in Australia and the athlete pathways toward LA28 and beyond - also presented venue options drawing on the experience of the Olympic Games Sydney 2000 and Baseball/Softball's strong support from local communities in and around Brisbane.
President Fraccari highlighted the importance of the visit and meetings as a first step towards the sport’s hopeful inclusion at Brisbane 2032.
He said: “The WBSC is delighted to be in Brisbane alongside Baseball Australia and Softball Australia officials. Australia has long been a great baseball and softball country, and we are excited about the future of our sport here.
“During our visit, we had the privilege of holding initial conversations with Brisbane 2032 officials over the potential inclusion of baseball and softball in the upcoming Olympic Games. We sincerely appreciate the time and attention of the Organising Committee. The WBSC remains committed to working with our partners in Australia and ensuring baseball and softball’s continued success on the world stage.”
Baseball Australia CEO Williams welcomed the delegation’s visit as a significant moment for the sport in Australia.
He said: “Having President Fraccari and other representatives from the WBSC in Australia is a true commitment to Baseball and Softball in Australia and the importance of having our sport in the Brisbane 2032 Games. Baseball Australia and Softball Australia are aligned and are excited about what a home games for our sports would mean for everyone involved and the future generation of our players.”
Softball Australia CEO Sarah Loh shared her excitement for what’s on the horizon and praised the relationship the WBSC has with its national federations.
She said: “We were delighted to welcome the WBSC to Brisbane to discuss our continued cooperation. We enjoy a great relationship with the WBSC and its leadership, working together to advance our sport in Australia. We’re proud to showcase our world-class players and programme to the WBSC while also using this opportunity to learn key insights ahead of an important chapter in Softball Australia’s history.”
As part of its work towards Brisbane 2032, the WBSC has confirmed the appointment of a Working Group, which includes IOC Members, Olympians, WBSC Board Members, National Federations representatives, WBSC athletes and officials
