Louisa

WALL

MP for Manurewa

Associate Spokesperson for Sport and Recreation

10 March 2013 MEDIA STATEMENT

Black Sox win will inspire young Kiwis

Labour’s associate spokesperson for Sport and Recreation, Louisa Wall, today congratulated the New Zealand Men’s Softball team, the Black Sox, for winning ISF Men’s World Softball Championship outright for the fifth time.

“This is an outstanding achievement and example for our aspiring athletes.

"With today’s win the Black Sox have become the only team since the Champs began in 1966 to win five championships outright, and to come first equal in one other. That record trumps the USA.

“The atmosphere in the crowd at Albany's Tradestaff Stadium was euphoric. It was wonderful to see so many people supporting our national team.

Louisa Wall also congratulated an inspired Venezuela team who gained their first medal and a first for a South American country.

"Their inspirational win against the reigning world champs, Australia, was full of emotion which may be a reflection of the loss the whole country has felt with the death of Hugo Chavez earlier this week.

“But the steady play by the Black Sox saw New Zealand come out on top in the end, a win that will serve as a wonderful motivator for up-and-coming athletes in the sport,” Louisa Wall said.

ends

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