The Olympics is a global celebration of sport and solidarity that captures our attention, as we watch the spectacular feats of some of the world's most extraordinary athletes compete for gold.
The aspiration to be in the Olympics is not limited to the athletes. The opportunity for each sport to be included is just as competitive. Each Olympic sport needs to meet specific regulations and conditions and even if the sport is recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), they still may not be accepted to compete in the official games. Factors such as finding suitable venues or the popularity of the sport for spectators, or the media may limit the competition to only be played at the World Games event.
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Once you're in the Olympics, you might not stay there! Tug-of-war, cricket, lacrosse, polo, power boating, rackets, rink hockey, roque, and water skiing have all been relegated to the sidelines.
Softball is yet another sport that we haven't seen in the Olympic games since 2008. But it's back! And not only is softball going to be part of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, it's also a lot more adaptable than the IOC, making it the perfect All Abilities opportunity. So get ready to play ball...
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Love Sport? Let's learn about... Softball
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Meet Wheelchair Softball Advocate, Roy Davie
Roy is no stranger to sport, so when he saw the opportunity to try Wheelchair Softball, he was there in a spin!
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"I encourage others to get involved in wheelchair softball as it is a fun sport to play with friends, an inclusive group and who doesn't like trying to smash things hard with a bat!"
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With the help of Softball Australia, we caught up with Roy to hear his heartfelt story, from overcoming his own challenges, to inspiring others, and what was, what is, and what might be for Roy's Wheelchair Softball team.
Content warning: mention of suicide.
Read the full story here
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Softball is for All Abilities
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Softball Batter Up
Softball Australia’s national participation program, Softball Batter Up is designed to be fun, flexible, and engaging for children from kindergarten age to Year 6, focusing on fun activities while learning basic throwing, catching, and striking skills.
You don’t need to be an experienced softballer or coach to deliver a successful program, which can be adapted for all ages and abilities using the Game Sense and CHANGE IT approach.
Softball Batter Up activities align with the national health and physical education curriculum and are written with coaches and teachers in mind. Detailed information is provided on each activity’s learning intention, band levels, and skill focus, together with questions to encourage participant engagement.
With more than 65 different softball activities and games on offer, parents and coaches can design their own softball sessions, or entire programs allowing for repetition over time to maximise learning and development opportunities.
Visit softballbatterup.com.au for more information.
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Social 7s
Softball Australia’s new slowpitch version of softball that is fast, fun, and easy to play, with 7 players on each team.
7 Reasons to get involved in Social 7s
- Get fit: there’s plenty of action to keep everyone involved throughout the entire game.
- Play in a relaxed, social atmosphere: emphasis is on having fun!
- You don’t need to be skilful to play: a game for all abilities.
- You can register as an individual: don’t have a team, we’ll find one for you. Social 7s is a great way to meet new people.
- Play with family, friends, and work colleagues: get your team of seven together and start playing.
- Easy to learn: simplified rules means you’ll be playing like an expert in no time.
- Short duration: games are completed in under an hour, fitting into your busy life.
Visit Social7s.com.au for more information.
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Fully Loaded Softball
A new brand of softball that puts the pressure and excitement in games from the first pitch. A more exciting, faster format with big scores, more home-runs and more edge of your seat, white knuckle moments.
In softball, like many sports, we talk about “Big Moments”. Defining points where a team can win or lose. A moment that can change the course of history and be talked about for decades. A moment when a player overcomes nerves, picks up their team and carries them to victory. Often in sport these moments are few and far between.
In Fully Loaded Softball, these moments come first, played with loaded bases every innings, action packed games are filled with high scores and high-pressure stakes.
The new format will see games finished in an hour, but jam packed with all the best bits of softball. Non-stop with highlights at every turn!
Visit fullyloadedsoftball.com.au
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Wheelchair Softball
Earlier in 2019, Softball Australia launched the country’s first Wheelchair Softball competition at Casey Stadium, Victoria.
The format has proven successful with a second competition already completed and more planned in the near future.
Not only for people with a disability, able-bodied participants are also welcome in this social and inclusive competition for people of all skill levels and abilities.
Softball Australia are currently working to introduce this format across Australia with the help of softball Clubs and Associations.
For more information or to register your interest contact tim.hatzi@softball.org.au
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AAA Play is an initiative supported by the Victorian Government.
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