Rome serves as World Baseball Softball Confederation Europe headquarters

Rome serves as World Baseball Softball Confederation Europe headquarters
18/11/2021
Federazione Italiana Baseball Softball (FIBS) welcomes representatives from the various European National Baseball and Softball Federations to Rome from November 19-21, 2021 to come together as one and make history as the newly-created World Baseball Softball Confederation Europe (WBSCE)

In an effort to establish one uniform body committed to the growth and development of baseball and softball in Europe, international delegates from both sport disciplines will assemble at the Italian Olympic National Committee headquarters inside the CONI Hall of Honor in Rome on Friday, November 19, 2021 to approve the statute which will officially establish the World Baseball Softball Confederation Europe (WBSCE).

The historical date also marks the start of the final Congress of the Continental Confederations of Baseball (CEB) and Softball (ESF) in Rome. The CEB was founded in 1953, while the ESF was established in 1976. Italy was a founding member of both organizations. The Congress agenda is full of events and meetings, including a special session on the implementation and the governance of the new WBSCE.  Representatives from the European National Federations will participate in workshops on subjects ranging from computerization and the development of a new website, the Code of Ethics and integrity to e-Sports.  

The new WBSC Europe has 43 countries and two affiliated territories, for a total of 52 National Federations (19 baseball, 13 softball and 20 unitary). It is the second largest continental Confederation affiliated with the WBSC.  Following a unified and coordinated approach similar to that established by WBSC President Riccardo Fraccari, which produced remarkable results and progress for baseball and softball on the international sports scene and the inclusion of both disciplines in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic program, WBSCE seeks to take baseball and softball to the next level.  

FIBS President Andrea Marcon said, "It is a historic moment for our disciplines and hosting it in Rome at CONI headquarters, is a source of great pride and satisfaction. It also recognizes of the fundamental role that Italy possesses internationally. A message of unity comes from Rome which affords the possibility to present ourselves competitively in the international sports world. It also presents an invaluable opportunity that can attract public interest, corporate sponsors, advanced media and new participants to our movement.” Forza #Italia!

by Roberto Angotti