WBSC President Riccardo Fraccari declares U-15 Women's Softball World Cup open

WBSC President Riccardo Fraccari declared the U-15 Women's Softball World Cup open at the Francesco Nespoli Stadium in Caronno Pertusella.

"For the third consecutive year, Italy is set to be the proud host of a WBSC Women's Softball World Cup, building on the success of the Women's Softball World Cup Group Stage in 2023 and the Finals last year," Fraccari said. "I'm grateful to the Italian Baseball Softball Federation President and the host cities, Caronno Pertusella and Legnano. The Lombardy Region in Italy is a women's softball cradle."

Fraccari added: "The WBSC U-15 Women’s Softball World Cup is one of our newest tournaments, and it also provides the opportunity for new participants. A very special welcome to American Samoa, who are appearing in a WBSC World Cup for the first time."

The WBSC President continued, "And a very welcome to all the teams. With the LA28 Olympic Games not far away, this tournament could be an ideal launch pad for some players to realise Olympic dreams in three years."

"To close," Fraccari said on a final note, "I want to express my appreciation to all the volunteers. And thank you to all the officials who make this tournament possible, and wish all the participants good luck for an excellent tournament."

The Mayor of Caronno Pertusella, Marco Giudici; the President of CONI Lombardia, Marco Riva; WBSC Secretary General, Beng Choo Low, and Executive Vice President Softball, Craig Cress, also attended the ceremony.