Berlin, (Germany); 13th August 2009: The president of the International Softball Federation, Don Porter, issued the following statement today following the decision by the International Olympic Committee Executive Board that did not include softball among the two sports that will be recommended to the IOC Session in October for a vote on sports to be added to the 2016 Olympic Games Programme: “The ISF and wider softball family is certainly disappointed by today’s decision by the IOC Executive Board not to recommend softball for reinstatement onto the Olympic Games Programme in 2016. 

“However, we respect the IOC’s decision and I tip my cap to golf and rugby for getting recommended and offer my sentiments to the other four sports that were not successful today. 

“The ISF has worked tirelessly for more than four years since we were voted off the 2012 Olympic Programme and we have made tremendous advances in that time. 

“Softball has more players, a long list of member federations, a more solid and appropriate organizational framework, and development programs that are producing phenomenal results on every continent. 

“Our anti-doping record is second to none and our culture and aspirations blend perfectly with the values that the IOC seeks to promote. 

“For softball, reinstatement to the Olympic Games would have been the catalyst for further sustainable global growth, demonstrating the power of the Games. 

“Softball players continue to dream of Olympic gold, the ultimate prize in our sport, and we will carry on our campaign for Olympic reinstatement to prove to the IOC that our sport fits with Olympic values and ambitions and deserves a place on merit on the Games Programme.”