Page 8 - index

Jackie Chan pitches

up in support of

baseball-softball

Olympic bid

August 13 - Martial arts movie legend
By Gary Anderson – Insidethegames Jackie Chan has added his support
to the World Baseball Softball
Confederation's (WBSC) campaign to
get the sports back on the Olympic
programme for the 2020 Games.

“I have noticed that baseball and Jackie Chan has lent his Chairman of the Hong Kong
also softball have been growing support to the WBSC’s Baseball Association (HKBA) Philip Li
globally and attracting boys and girls Playball2020 campaign hopes that the support of one of its
to come together to play the sport,” most famous citizens will help get
said the 59-year-old Hollywood star, The WBSC was formed in April of the 2020 campaign over the line in
who took part in the Beijing 2008 this year following the merger of Buenos Aires.
Olympic Torch Relay and sang at the the International Baseball Federation
Opening Ceremony. (IBAF) and the International Softball “Mr Chan’s generosity with his time,
Federation (ISF) in a move designed his commitment to sport and fitness,
“The two sports teach children to improve the sports’ chances for and his enormous international
teamwork, discipline - about re-inclusion. appeal will help inspire countless
facing challenges and overcoming supporters be more active in sport
difficulties. In a joint statement, WBSC co- and join WBSC’s efforts to find
Presidents Riccardo Fraccari and Don a place for baseball and softball
“Hence, I support baseball and Porter welcomed Chan’s support. players on the world’s biggest
softball’s inclusion in the 2020 sporting stage, the Olympic Games,”
Olympic Games and I sincerely “It’s a tremendous honour and truly he said.
wish baseball and softball receive exciting to have Jackie Chan as a
the favourable votes from the IOC supporter of baseball and softball,” Contact the writer of this story at
members.” they said. gary.anderson@insidethegames.biz
This email address is being protected
from spambots. You need JavaScript
It is now less than a month until “He is an international figure who enabled to view it.
International Olympic Committee personifies hard-work, athleticism,
(IOC) members vote on whether determination and supreme talent,
baseball-softball, squash or which are qualities needed to reach
wrestling will be included for the the Olympic Games.”
2020 Games, which will take place
in either Tokyo, Madrid or Istanbul Chan is originally from Hong Kong,
- also to be decided at the same where baseball-softball is one of the
session in Buenos Aires. most popular sports.

Sources:
http://www.insidethegames.biz/sports/2020-bidding-
sports/350-baseball/1015535-hollywood-star-jackie-chan-
pitches-up-in-support-of-baseball-softball-olympic-bid

06 RUN Issue 76 First Quarter 2013/14

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