Source: Softball Canada
(Ottawa, ON) Softball Canada is extremely pleased to announce that both Men’s and Women’s softball have been added to program for the 2015 Pan American Games, which will take place from July 10-26, 2015 in Toronto, Ontario. The Men’s and Women’s softball events will each feature six teams with 15 player rosters. Exact scheduling and venue details will be announced at a later date.
Men’s softball first appeared at the 1979 Pan American Games in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Canada went on to win all seven gold medals awarded at the event culminating with the 2003 Pan American Games. Men’s softball was not selected to the 2007 and 2011 Pan American Games and will now make its return in 2015.
‘I am happy that softball made it back into the Pan Am Games and very excited to have the opportunity to play in Toronto in front of family, friends and many of the Toronto area fans’ said Men’s National Team player Andy Skelton (Scarborough, ON). ‘Softball has been a big part of the Toronto community and for it to host an international competition will pull many people that have been involved at many levels to provide a truly amazing environment to play in.’
In addition to Men’s softball being added to the event, Women’s softball will also continue to be a part of the Pan American Games program in 2015. The Canadian team has won four consecutive silver medals at the event (2011, 2007, 2003 and 1999) and has won seven medals overall, including a gold medal in 1983.
‘It is a privilege for softball to have the opportunity to once again be part of the Pan American Games’ said Women’s National Team pitcher Jenna Caira (Toronto, ON). ‘I am extremely proud and fortunate to be part of such an event, where I, as well as many other athletes can be supported by family, friends and a great community. Toronto is a world class city and a great place to compete at one’s best ability, as it has always contributed to the well-being and success of the players on and off the playing field. I anxiously look forward to the opportunity to represent my city, my country as well as the fantastic sport of softball.’
Softball Canada has been working diligently to help raise awareness for Men’s softball and its’ inclusion in high-profile multisport events, and is delighted with the recent announcements of men’s softball being added to the program for both the 2017 Canada Summer Games and now the 2015 Pan American Games.
‘The reinstatement of Men’s softball to the Pan Am Games program is a result we have been working towards for several years now’ stated Softball Canada President Kevin Quinn. ‘Softball Canada truly appreciates the hard work of all involved, including the 2015 Pan Am Host Committee and the Pan American Sport Organisation (PASO), who have worked diligently to get our men back in the Pan Am Games. We are truly pleased with the support the Host Committee has afforded us in our quest. We look forward to working with the Host Committee in producing a top quality product for the Games.’
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For more information, please contact:
Gilles LeBlanc
Manager – Marketing and Communications
Softball Canada
(613) 523-3386 ext. 3105
gleblanc@softball.ca
