MORE THAN 10,000 EXPECTED TO DESCEND INTO VALLEY OF THE SUN FOR SSWC

Oct. 1, 2011 – Senior Softball-USA

PHOENIX – The International segment of the World Championships expands in 2011, with both a Men’s and Women’s Division in the International Joiful Goodwill Games here in October.

The international teams are among the more than 300 teams expected to compete at the premier event in Senior Softball – the 2011 Senior Softball World Championships here Oct. 14-23. In addition to the quest for a World Title, many teams also will be competing for US National Championships – and the Triple Grand Slam.

There is a definite international flavor this year, with Japanese, Canadian and US teams playing in a special two-day Joiful Tournament, sponsored by Kenko Ball company of Japan, using special safety balls.

The tournament is expected to draw more than 10,000 players and their families, who will infuse more than $13 million into the Phoenix economy over the 10 days of the tournament. SSUSA is bringing in more than a dozen SSUSA key directors and 60 umpires from throughout the United States and Canada.

Teams will play more than 1,200 games on seven softball complexes – with 29 softball fields.

“As you all prepare to compete this week, know that we have an experienced event team in place that is unified in our goal of putting on the best top-tier events our country has to offer,” said Jon Schmieder, president of the Phoenix Regional Sports Commission.

“The event you are about to participate in takes legions of people to make your experience all that you expect it to be,” he said. “The City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Staff, Arizona Tourism and Hospitality Advisory Board, Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau, Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, and the cities of Mesa and Scottsdale are just a few of the members of our team that stepped up to make this week possible.”

Opening ceremonies are expected to include a Parade of Players, Honor Guard, Phoenix and Maricopa County executives. In addition, the coveted “Sportsmanship of the Year” team will be announced, two players will be inducted into the National Hall of Fame during the first session and five players in the second session Opening Ceremonies (please see Calendar of Events).

On the field, the Best of the East meet the Best of the West when the winners of the Western Nationals play the winners of the Eastern Nationals in a series of 17 US National games. The US National games will be played during the first day of competition in each division.