Press Release International Baseball Federation (IBAF), www.ibaf.org
PANAMA CITY — The President of the International Baseball Federation, Riccardo Fraccari was received by the President of the Republic of Panama and namesake Ricardo Martinelli in the Palacio de las Garzas (Herons’ Palace) on Wednesday morning.
At the official press conference, the Panamanian Minister of Presidency, Demetrio Papadimitriu presented the IBAF chief with a guarantee of financial support to promote and support the XXXIX IBAF Baseball World Cup.
On Jan. 29 in Havana, Cuba, the IBAF Executive Committee awarded the organization of the 2011 Baseball World Cup to Panama. It shall be the first time that a world championship sporting event will take place in Panama.
“The presence of Mr. Fraccari is a testament to both IBAF’s and [our] government’s commitment to the realization of a tournament of this importance, which is going to be held here [in Panama] for the first time,” said Papadimitriu.
“Panama and the IBAF will have vital roles in the development of this event, and together, we will work hard to maximize the image of this tournament, thanks largely in part to the commitment and support of the government of the President [Ricardo Martinelli] and the Minister [Demetrio Papadimitriu],” said IBAF President Fraccari.