South African Baseball is proud to announce it has secured positions for five children and a chaperone to participate in the 30th annual World Children’s Baseball Fair (WCBF) 2024 in Fukuoka, Japan. This prestigious event, scheduled from 28 July to 5 August 2024, offers a unique blend of baseball training and cultural exchange.
The WCBF aims to foster a love for baseball, teamwork, and friendship among young players from around the world. Participants will enjoy morning baseball clinics, led by coaches selected by the World Baseball Softball Confederation, emphasizing the basic skills of the game in a fun and participatory environment. Beyond the field, the event is a celebration of cultural diversity, with children engaging in a variety of cultural and recreational activities each afternoon and evening, including a homestay experience in one of nine cities.
The opportunity comes after months of engagement between South African Baseball and the WCBF. South African Baseball has begun the nomination process across provinces to select five deserving children, along with a chaperone, to represent South Africa at this global platform. The nomination process includes the requirement for strong motivations, including written motivations from the candidates themselves. This opportunity not only highlights the talent and potential of young South African baseball players but also aligns with the spirit of international friendship and understanding.
Said South African Baseball President Mr. Marc Moreau: “This is a unique opportunity for some of our young baseball stars and promises to be a life-changing experience. Additionally, we are thrilled with the international relationships we have built with Japanese Baseball, which is arguably the top baseball country in the world.”
The selected children will have the chance to not only improve their baseball skills but also engage with other children in exchange events, learning about Japanese culture through dancing, martial arts, and more. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that goes beyond sports, immersing participants in a new cultural setting while fostering global connections.
For this year only, the children will be divided into nine cities for a few days. They will participate in baseball clinics and stay with host families. The participants will attend morning baseball clinics instructed by coaches who are selected by the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC).
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