Women's Softball World Cup Finals introduce Social Responsibility Programme

The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) and the Italian Baseball Softball Federation (FIBS) introduced the Women's Softball World Cup Finals Social Responsibility Programme during a press conference at Villa Manin, a Venetian Villa located in Passariano, near Codroipo, Friuli Venezia Giulia.

Six organizations will receive grants from Edison, the tournament's Energy and Social Responsibility Partner. The checks will be presented during ceremonial first pitch ceremonies before Italy's games.

The Italian Association for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (AISLA, Associazione Italiana Sclerosi Laterale Amiotrofica) will be awarded on July 15, opening day.

Gli Insuperabili, using soccer to introduce persons with physical disabilities to sports and social activities, will follow on Tuesday, July 16.

Associazione Luca, an organization supporting children with oncological diseases and their families, will receive the donation on Wednesday, July 17.

Thursday, July 18, the Women's Softball World Cup Finals support will go to OCR Aviano, a reasearch institute specialized on oncological diseases.

Edela, as an association supporting the children of women who suffered violence, will receive a donation on Friday, July 19.

On Saturday, July 20, the final grant will go to Progetto Autismo, an organization supporting people with autism and their families.

The six organizations shared their missions and their programmes in an emotional atmosphere.

"What impressed me is that everybody talked to us, never renouncing to smile," commented Italy's head coach Federico Pizzolini, who participated in the event with players Giulia Longhi and Marta Gasparotto. "I will ensure we take your smile with us on the field."

Nicola Fasani (Faso) and Stefano Belisari (Elio) of the pop group Elio & Le Storie Tese guaranteed their support to the initiative.

"There would be a lot to say, " commented Elio, "But I wouldn't add to the impressive speeches that we already heard. I will limit my comment to this: it is extraordinary to see sports champions like Marta and Giulia, who will soon compete in a World Cup, take their time to be with us today."

Elio & Le Storie Tese promoted the Women's Softball World Cup Finals during their show in Palmanova on Friday, July 12.

The Women's Softball World Cup Finals will open with four games on Monday, July 15 (all times are local)

Australia-Japan at 11:00
Puerto Rico-Netherlands at 14:00
Canada-USA at 16:30
China-Italy at 20:30