Press Release International Baseball Federation, www.ibaf.org
Taipei City, Chinese Taipei – The Chinese Taipei Baseball Association (CTBA), in conjunction with the Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee and Ministry of Sport have announced the beginning of its Olympic Reinstatement Campaign.
Present at the press conference was Mrs. Tai, Shia-Ling – Minister of Sports, Mr. Thomas W. Tsai – President Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee, Mr. Riccardo Fraccari – President IBAF, Mr. Chen, Tai-Cheng – President CTBA, Mr. Tom C.H. Peng -Member at large IBAF and Kao, Chih-Kang Athletes representative and Two-time Olympic baseball participant.
The campaign includes full support at the highest levels, including the Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee, the Ministry of Sports, the Chinese Taipei Baseball Association and the IBAF. Mrs Tai, the Minister of Sports noted about baseball,
“A sports worthy to be part of the Olympic movement, as a sport that promotes health, builds character and Sportsmanship” said the Minister of Sports.
In conjunction with high-level support, the campaign also features fan level activities, notably banners in all 130-train stations across Chinese Taipei allowing fans of the game and Olympic Baseball the opportunity to sign to indicate support for reinstatement.
IBAF President Riccardo Fraccari had the opportunity to address the press conference, applauding the efforts of Chinese Taipei, and emphasizing the need for continued globally coordinated action, especially with the looming decision of the IOC Executive Board scheduled for July 4th. (The day when the IOC executive board will decide which sports will be a candidate for the 32nd Olympiad in 2020.) President Fraccari also stressed the need to clearly demonstrate that baseball is inclusive and accessible, includes all types of athletes be it males, females, youth, adults, and athletes with disabilities.
The IBAF and President Fraccari will return to Chinese Taipei in July, for the IBAF 12U Baseball World Championship.