Softball and Racquetball are delighted to be back on the programme of The World Games when the Games return to the United States in Birmingham, Alabama in 2021.
“Racquetball is very, very happy to be in The World Games in 2021,” says Osvaldo Maggi, President of the International Racquetball Federation. “We were there in Cali in 2013, and in fact also in the first Games in 1981. The sport was born in the United States, and it’s especially good to be back here, where people are very excited about our sport.”
“We are expecting very good organisation. We have met with the Birmingham organisers already for 4-5 years now, and it is an honour for us to be part of The World Games in 2021!”
President of the World Baseball Softball Confederation, Riccardo Fraccari, says the federation is glad to have Women’s Softball included in The World Games in 2021. “This is very good news indeed! We are eager to come and present women’s Softball, to show our best players and quality games. Softball is very popular in the United States, but also around the world – some of the best countries are Japan, the USA, and Mexico.”
Previously, Softball has been an official sport at The World Games in 1981 and 1985. In addition, Softball was an invitational sport in Cali, Colombia, in 2013 and is going to be part of the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.
The World Games is a multi-sport event staged every four years by the International World Games Association under the patronage of the International Olympic Committee. The 11th edition of The World Games will be held in Birmingham, Alabama, USA, 15-25 July 2021. 3,600 athletes from over 30 sports and 100 countries will take part in the Games.