WBSC and Africasottosopra provide opportunities for youth development through Baseball5 in Malawi

The World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) joined forces with Africasottosopra to support the "Malawi Baseball5 Project", whose mission is to promote physical activity and open educational and sporting opportunities throughout the WBSC's urban discipline.

The project was launched last year by Italian coach Marco Brandi with 32 boys and girls from Thyolo District involved in the activity, laying the foundations to promote this inclusive discipline in the country. And this year, Brandi finished this experience with a final tournament involving more than 40 boys and girls between 12 and 18 years old in the Njaiti village in the Thyolo District, located in the southern region of Malawi.

“I thank the no profit organization Africasottosopra and the WBSC for this opportunity," Brandi said. "Working in these places enriches you on a human level. The players are incredible: they are full of life and determination, they are curious and determined to grow and learn. 

"I was surprised that, despite their life is extremely difficult, they have the strength and courage to carry on. Their speed in learning Baseball5 in just eight days was impressive. Together with Africasottosopra, we are teaching that education and sport are necessities of primary importance,” he added.

Africasottosopra is an association of volunteers who manage and promote development projects in Malawi, a country in southeastern Africa among the world's least developed countries, with around 85% of the population living in rural areas.