SSUSA LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN TO HELP JAPAN

May 1, 2011 – Senior Softball-USA

SACRAMENTO – In a move to help Japanese teams gravely affected by the recent tsunami, Senior Softball-USA has created a special fund.

According to the latest reports from Japanese officials, the March 11 earthquake and tsunami have left 14,358 people dead and 11,889 others missing.

Two months after the disaster, about 130,000 survivors are staying in 2,300 shelters across the country.

A strong relationship has developed over the past decade between SSUSA and the Japan Slow-Pitch Softball Association. For the past 11 years, SSUSA and the Japan Senior Softball Association have been exchanging teams to promote international senior softball and friendship.

Two years ago, two Japanese women’s teams that came from areas hit hard by the tsunami have participated in Joiful Friendship tournaments held during the World Championships in Phoenix. This year, Japanese softball officials have confirmed that a team from Izu will play in the World Championships.

In addition, SSUSA teams have played in the Chiba Prefecture east of Tokyo, which has been affected by both the tsunami and by explosions at an oil refinery.

“We have made many friends over the past decade in Japan and want to help them in their long and painful recovery,” said Terry Hennessy, SSUSA’s chief executive officer. “We have also heard from many SSUSA players who have competed in Japan and also want to show their support of our friends.”

SSUSA is seeding the fund with $1,000 and will accept donations from players. The fund will be sent to the Japan Senior Softball Association, which in turn will send the money to the families of teams affected by the tsunami.

“The women’s teams from Chiba and Shizuoka are cheerful (OK), however, there (are reports) of missing family members of players,” said Shoji Matsumoto, international vice-chairman of the Japan Slow-Pitch Softball Association. “The detailed information on the missing is not yet available.”

Donations can be sent by check or via credit card to:

Japan Tsunami Fund

Senior Softball-USA

9823 Old Winery Place, Ste. 12, Sacramento, CA. 95827

Donations via credit card can be made by calling 916-326-5303.