麻豆社区

Whitehorse wasn't the only Canadian winner at the International Softball Federation (ISF) Congress in Cartagena, Colombia last week.

The Yukon capital was awarded the 2017 ISF Senior Men's World Championship Friday, marking the fourth world championship bid won by Softball Yukon in the past six years.

Softball Yukon made a joint bid with Softball Canada for the event. Whitehorse is also set to host the 2014 Junior Men's World Softball Championship July 11 to 20, and previously hosted the Women's World Championship in 2012, as well as the 2008 Junior Men's World Championship.

The 2017 event will mark the first time the territory hosts a senior men's championship.

Whitehorse beat out a bid from Argentina to secure the hosting rights for the fastpitch tournament, which will take place some time in July 2017.

The New Zealand Black Sox have won four of the past five world titles. Canada last won in 1992.

"We worked very hard to secure this event, and we are very excited to be returning home with another world championship on the horizon,鈥� Softball Yukon executive director George Arcand said in a press release.

"This will only enhance our reputation as a world-class host. We look forward to welcoming all participants to Yukon and showcasing our incredible northern hospitality.鈥�

The 2017 ISF Senior Men's Championship will be an open tournament, with all games taking place at the Pepsi Softball Centre in Whitehorse.

The 2015 ISF Senior Men's World Championship will be hosted by Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

"We hope the exciting and fast-paced games at the 2017 Championship will inspire residents to take up the sport of softball, as well as inspire young athletes already enjoying softball to keep striving for a higher level,鈥� Arcand added.

Colombia proved to be a successful trip for Softball Canada on several levels, as Dale McMann (Surrey, British Columbia) was elected president of the ISF.

McMann served as president of Softball British Columbia from 1986 to 1990 before taking the same role with Softball Canada from 1990 to 2001. He acted as North American Vice-President of the International Softball Federation from 1993 to 2009 before being elected First Vice-President in 2009.

Additionally, the 2016 ISF Women's World Championship was awarded to Surrey, B.C.

Surrey has a long history of hosting major international softball tournaments since 1991 and has been hosting the Canadian Open Fastpitch International Championship since 2010.

"We are delighted that the international softball membership has entrusted us to host these two championships,鈥� Softball Canada president Kevin Quinn said in a statement on the association's website. "Both Surrey and Whitehorse are experienced hosts that have proven their ability to put on great events and combine that with warm hospitality for visitors.鈥�