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The International Softball Federation has opened their first European office, in Lausanne, Switzerland, which will form the hub for the development of the sport in Europe and help garner closer contact with the International Olympic Committee and international sport federation colleagues.

The office, at ‘la Maison du Sport International,’ home to 20 international sports federations, was officially opened by ISF President Don Porter, accompanied by distinguished guests from the MSI and members of the International Olympic Committee administration, with a reception then held at the Beau-Rivage Hotel.

The establishment of a European base underlines the ISF’s commitment to softball in Europe, following the implementation of regional training centers in Italy and Russia last year.

The presence in the ‘Olympic Capital’ puts the ISF in a stronger position to exchange ideas and information with the 40 softball federations based in Europe.

Mr. Porter said, “We are determined to use this location to forge stronger relationships with member federations and potential new federations in Europe. We’ve been trying to get space at MSI for some time and jumped at the chance when space there recently became available. Softball is growing faster in Europe than anywhere else in the world at present, with huge numbers of young people getting involved in the sport and we’re delighted to be able to support them from close at hand now.”

General Association of International Sports Federations Chairman Hein Verbruggen said, “Europe is a significant growth area for softball and it is important for the sport to have a base in the heart of Europe to manage the planning and marketing of the sport’s development. It is also very important to be close to the other summer federations to share best practices and solutions to some of the challenges faced by the global recession. In this respect Lausanne is the perfect place for the ISF to have an office. Equally, other federations will benefit from softball’s strengths in anti-doping policy and inclusiveness, particularly among women and young people.”

The ISF's world headquarters is located in Plant City, Florida, and features a 6,700-seat softball stadium, four-field complex, and an administration building that includes a 1,500-square foot conference facility adjacent to the administrative offices.