麻豆社区

With the 2014 ISF Jr. Men's World Softball Championship less than a year away, local organizers are getting to work.

The 2014 championship will be held July 11 to 20 at the Pepsi Softball Centre in Whitehorse.

A press conference was held this morning at the softball complex, where organizers announced the creation of the event's website: www.worldfastpitch2014.com.

The site features details on the event venue, updated news stories, and social media feeds, as well as travel information for visitors to the territory. During the tournament, the website will offer live scores and webcasts of every game.

Sponsorship and volunteer initiatives were also announced.

Organizing committee chair George Arcand said having the chance to host a tournament of this calibre is a coup for the Yukon capital.

"I think what it means is that our kids get to see softball of this calibre, and can see what is there, and what getting into the game with that kind of intent can do for you,鈥� he told the Star.

"Hopefully, they're inspired.鈥�

Whitehorse previously hosted the junior men's championship in 2008, which featured 12 teams from across the globe.

Alongside Canada and the United States, countries represented that year included Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Venezuela, Mexico, Argentina, South Africa, Denmark, Czech Republic, and Botswana.

Australia beat Canada in the final.

Last summer, the city hosted the Women's World Fastpitch Championship, won by Japan over the U.S.

"We are so proud to be hosting another world-class softball event here in Yukon,鈥� said Arcand. "This championship will promote the development of softball in our community by providing exciting and fast-paced games for spectators, and inspiring our local athletes. It will also help secure our territory as a prime destination for hosting international events.鈥�

Arcand estimated the 2014 championship would see 200 of the world's best junior players converge on Whitehorse for the 10-day event.

Elaine Taylor, Minister of Community Services for the territory, said it is the hard work by people like Arcand, president of Softball Yukon, that makes events like this possible.

"Yukon has really become Canada's premiere sporting destination, and Softball Yukon in particular has contributed to where we are today,鈥� she said. "I know the Government of Yukon has been a very proud sponsor and very proud promoter of being able to facilitate those international events and national events.鈥�

Taylor said major events like the junior men's worlds also contribute to the economy and help create jobs wherever they go.

"Of course, it's to be attributed to the great organization of Softball Yukon, and it's in partnership with many sponsors, both public and private,鈥� she said.

On that note, the host committee is also seeking help from the capital city's public and private sector.

Arcand said the host budget is about $800,000, and he hopes the community can come together to provide about $200,000 of that through sponsorships and in-kind donations.

A championship like this one cannot succeed without the help of countless volunteers, Taylor said.

"They contribute their dedication and love of ball,鈥� she said. "They make sure athletes, coaches, umpires, officials, trainers, team members, families, and of course the fans themselves have a truly world-class experience here in the territory.鈥�

Anyone looking for volunteer positions can sign up at the tournament website.