Amateur Softball Association of America Statements Regarding Softball’s Exclusion from the 2012 Olympic Games
“We are shocked by the news softball has been taken off the Olympic program in 2012. The vote by the IOC Members is a crushing blow to the millions of young women around the world who dream of taking the field as Olympic athletes in our sport.”
“It’s a sad day for everyone in our sport who has dedicated their lives to getting softball in the Olympic Games. It took over 30 years to get softball on the Olympic program the first time so we are going to do whatever is necessary to see that it is back on the program in 2016.”
“Softball has been recognized as an Olympic sport since 1991 and was included on the Olympic program in 1996. The sport is currently at an all-time high in world wide participation and television coverage. In an effort to continue the growth of softball, the Amateur Softball Association will be hosting the first-ever World Cup of Softball, July 14-18 in Oklahoma City, Okla. The top five teams from the 2004 Olympic Games including the USA, Australia, Japan, China and Canada will compete in this prestigious event. Games from the World Cup will be televised not only domestically but also internationally.”
“The Amateur Softball Association is committed to working with the International Softball Federation in its efforts to regain a spot on the 2016 Olympic program. There is no doubt the leaders within the sport of softball have the resolve and persistence it will take to see this through.”
“It is important to remember that softball is still part of the Olympic Games in 2008 and has an opportunity to demonstrate to the IOC Members that it is deserving of a place in the Olympic Games in 2016.”
