Softball out of the Olympics?

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally posted by Martin T.
The Olympic group of teams is made up of the first four teams finishing in the ISF World Championships, the host nation and the remaining places from qualifiying regions play-offs. The regional teams may come from amy of the 127 registered ISF countries (Yes, 127!).

However, there are only a dozen or so teams that could be considered competitve at international play which does limit the overall standard iof play, but it is improving siginificantly since softball became and olympic sport!

The teams so far are:
USA
Japan
China
Chinese Taipei
Greece (Host Nation)

Play offs in the 'regions' of Asia, Africa, North America, Latin America, Oceania and Europe will determine (most likely) that at least Canada, Holland and Australia will also make it - not sure about the others...

How can we make a difference?
Tell EVERYONE you know about this site:
http://www.suggestions.olympic.org/q...tro.aspx?LN=EN

It is the IOC site "Public Suggestions" Page. I have just lodged an idea titled "Keep Softball In the Olympics!" I encourage you all to do likewise.



[Edited by Martin T. on Aug 27th, 2002 at 08:18 PM]

While the effort is valiant, the only thing which is going to keep softball in the Olympics is China allowing it to remain. And the last time I checked, China has very little regard for public opinion.

I'm sort of surprised that Greece picked it up for the next Olympics. There was no softball team at the time and required the construction of a new complex that will probably be scrapped when the games are over.

There is going to have to be some very serious politicking to save softball in the Beijing games.