ISF Men's World Softball Champs 2013 - One Year To Go

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Minister of Sport, Hon Murray McCully with members of the New Zealand Black Sox team during the one year to go launch of the 2013 ISF Men’s World Softball Championships. Rosedale Park, Auckland, Thursday 1 March 2012. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/photosport.co.nz

Press Release -
ISF Men's World Softball Championships 2013
The official countdown to the Softball World Championships 2013 begins in earnest with the one year to go milestone celebrated in Auckland today.

International Softball Federation deputy chairman Bob Leveloff marked the occasion at the home of the World Championships 2013 - Rosedale Park on Auckland's North Shore.

"It is fantastic to have the World Championships 2013 here in Auckland, and we're just one year away. It's fitting that the premier event in the sport is to be held in this country," Mr Leveloff said.

Minister of Sport - the Honourable Murray McCully - was on site at the launch and mentioned how pleasing it is to have another major world sporting event in New Zealand.

"We are thrilled that the Softball World Championships 2013 are to be held in New Zealand."We did a great job hosting last year's Rugby World Cup and this is another chance for New Zealand to showcase itself to the world," Minister McCully said.

Mr Leveloff also announced former New Zealand Black Sox captain and sporting icon Mark Sorenson as an ambassador of the World Championships 2013.

Sorenson says he is honoured to be an ambassador for the World Championships 2013.

"Winning a world title is something that I will always hold dearly so to be made an ambassador for this event is something I will cherish," he said.

Rosedale Park planned upgrade was also unveiled at the launch.

The facility upgrade for the site includes a brand new purpose built stadium between Diamond 1 and Diamond 2. The works also involve the redevelopment of Diamond 2 and renovations to the existing clubrooms.

Rosedale Park will be a world class facility in Auckland.

Ends

Notes to the editor
• The ISF Softball World Championships 2013 is sponsored by Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development Ltd (ATEED), New Zealand Major Events and Sport New Zealand
Rosedale Park redevelopment

This project is to reposition and renew the Rosedale Park softball number two skin diamond.

The works will involve the renewal of the skin as well as the renewal of outfield drainage, irrigation and the turf surface. Work is expected to take about eight weeks, depending on weather and ground conditions.

The stadium includes new changing rooms, seating for 500 people (including disabled access seating), media viewing area, broadcast area, functions/VIP lounge, catering facilities, viewing terrace, gallery, equipment storage, meeting rooms and utility rooms.

Fencing to support the new facilities will be included in the works and 1100 lux flood lighting will be installed to ensure night games can be played and key matches, tournament and competitions can be televised.

The existing club rooms will be renovated, including a new internal and external paint job.

ENDS

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