CHINA OPENS DOOR

June 1, 2013

Asks SSUSA to Bring Teams, Develop Sport

For the first time, senior softball players from the USA have been invited to compete in an international tournament in China.

The China International Joiful Championships include teams from China, Japan, Taiwan and the United States and will be played in Beijing Oct. 19-20.

The tournament in Beijing culminates a 11-day tour that includes a stop in Old Shanghai to visit the city, gardens and temples, another stop in Xi’an to see the famous Terracotta Warriors, and a walk along the Great Wall of China near Beijing.

The tournament, sponsored and partially subsidized by the Chinese government, is on the final weekend of the tour, which is being coordinated by SSUSA’s travel arm, International Sports Holidays.

“The invitation to play in China culminates two years of preparation and means much more than a single tournament,” said Terry Hennessy, SSUSA chief executive officer. “The Chinese government is launching senior softball throughout the country and is using the tournament to promote its effort.”

Last year, a delegation of Chinese officials accepted an invitation to attend the World Masters Championships in Las Vegas. After that tournament, the delegation asked SSUSA to consult on building senior softball throughout China.

“We happily agreed,” said Hennessy, “As part of that effort, we are bringing the U.S. players over to play and help promote the sport.”

Any SSUSA player, or players who have traveled on previous International Tours, are invited to participate. The U.S. teams will be made up of individual players who sign up. There is no age or skill level requirement. Players’ families and friends are invited to accompany the team on the tour.

For a complete itinerary, cost and other information, please contact Susan Ruth, director of International Sports Holidays at: 206-930-7091 or e-mail: susan@weruth.com.