The Gambia Softball Association in collaboration with the international body, is hosting an African Forum on softball.

The three-day Banjul forum, which was launched yesterday at the Kairaba Beach Hotel by the secretary of state for Youth and Sports, Sheriff Gomez, will include workshops on accessibility, sponsorship, and marketing, the Back Softball campaign, the development of sports in Africa, and using sports as a peace-building tool.

Speaking at the forum, the president of the International Softball Federation, Don Porter, explained to delegates from 12 African nations that this is further proof of the ISF’s vision to promote softball to young people across the world. He said: “This forum in The Gambia will show that softball is the ideal gateway to sport for tens of millions of youth and women across Africa. Softball is a fantastic sport for young people that have helped to promote peace and understanding around the world and the ISF is convinced it can have the same impact in Africa. Easy to learn, cheap to play, and great fun, we have already heard positive stories about the impact softball is having on young people in the short time we have been here.”

“All of the delegates here this week will learn how softball can make a huge difference to the lives of young people and play a positive role in breaking down barriers that have troubled communities for years. These are exciting times and the ISF is honored to be a part of supporting the development of Africa.”

The Gambia Softball Association president, Beatrice Allen, said: “Gambia will become the center for softball in Africa and it is part of my role as a member of the International Olympic Committee to help develop sports here. Softball has a focus on youth and I would like to thank the ISF for their determination to help change the face of sport on our proud continent.”

Africa is a thriving continent for softball’s development, with South Africa’s national championship taking place last month with 32 teams across a range of softball disciplines taking part. The ISF Junior Women's World Championship will take place in South Africa in 2011, when softball will also be on the program of the All-Africa Games.

Furthermore, the Gambia Softball Association in collaboration with the Japan Softball Association concluded a two-day coaching clinic last month; softball was also on the national sports festival program in Nigeria; and teams from Zimbabwe and South Africa are currently preparing for the Easton Foundation Youth Softball World Cup (aged 16-and-under for girls) later this year in Prague.