Press Release International Baseball Federation, www.ibaf.org
Strategic Partnership to Benefit Member Federations in Need of Equipment
(LAUSANNE, Switzerland) – The International Baseball Federation (IBAF) and Pitch In For Baseball (PIFB) have announced a partnership to provide equipment for youth groups around the world. The IBAF has committed to its member federations to provide gently-used baseball equipment when possible, and PIFB provides one of the world’s leading equipment donation services.
“The IBAF is proud to be working with Pitch In For Baseball to grow the game of baseball worldwide by getting equipment into the hands of children who cannot afford it,” said IBAF President Dr. Harvey Schiller. “Baseball is a simple game that knows no restrictions on age, color or social status, and by getting equipment into the hands of children we will help raise not just the awareness of the sport, but their self-esteem and physical condition as well.”
“The partnership with IBAF will serve as a catalyst to expand our mission to improve the social, emotional and physical well being of children through the game of baseball,“ said Pitch In For Baseball Executive Director, David Rhode. “We are anxious to give more children everywhere access to this great game.”
The partnership will begin during the second quarter of 2009, targeting specific foundations in Africa and Europe. The ultimate goal of both organizations is to grow worldwide participation in baseball through the collection and delivery of equipment to young players on every continent.
About the International Baseball Federation (IBAF)
Founded in 1938, the International Baseball Federation is a non-governmental organization recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as administering men’s and women’s baseball at the world level. Located in Lausanne, Switzerland – the Olympic Capital – and counting 125 National Member Federations, the IBAF organizes the IBAF Men’s and Women’s Baseball World Cup, the AAA (18U) and AA (16U) World Championships, the Olympic Games Baseball Tournament, and it sanctions the World Baseball Classic, among other international baseball tournaments. The IBAF works to develop and grow the game of baseball around the world. For more information, please visit www.ibaf.org.
About Pitch In For Baseball (PIFB)
Founded in 2005, Pitch In For Baseball (PIFB) is the central organization for the collection and redistribution of new and gently used youth baseball and softball equipment to underserved communities both in the U.S. and around the world. PIFB has distributed equipment and uniforms to more than 50 countries worldwide and more than 100 communities around the United States impacting over 60,000 children in need. Based outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PIFB is 501 c 3 not for profit organization. For more information, visit www.pitchinforbaseball.org or contact Executive Director, David Rhode at drhode@pitchinforbaseball.org.
