The Hesperia Isla Margarita Hotel in Venezuela is the site of the ISF's 2009 Congress.

VENEZUELA HOSTING ISF CONGRESS
2009-10-20

Delegates from at least 63 different countries are expected in Venezuela this week for the XXIV International Softball Federation Congress.

ISF President Don Porter, Secretary General Andy Loechner, and the staff from the world headquarters all arrived on Margarita Island yesterday. Some delegates have already arrived, including ISF VP/North America Dale McMann (Canada), ISF VP/Latin America Dr. Fernando Aren (Argentina), and, of course, ISF VP/Latin America Jesus Suniaga, whose national softball federation is the host for the event, which takes place every other year.

Arrivals continue today as preparations are finalized to begin registrations. Tomorrow the ISF Executive Council will meet, followed by commission meetings on Thursday and Friday. The full Congress will convene Saturday morning and conclude on Sunday. This Thursday will also include a press conference with Mr. Porter and Venezuelan Sports Minister Victoria Mata, among others, at the host hotel.

This year’s Congress will include officer elections, consideration of proposed playing rule changes, a new class of nominees being put forth for the ISF Hall of Fame, and the awarding of the host city for the 2012 Jr. Men’s World Championship (19-and-under) and the 2013 Men’s World Championship. Bids can also be put forth this week for the XXV ISF Congress, which would be held in October 2011.

Recently, Venezuela was also the host site for a successful on-field international softball event. The VII Pan American Softball Championship for Women had 20 teams competing in August.