Bulgaria Softball Federation President Youri Alkalay (right) presents the softball equipment from the ISF. (Photo courtesy of BSF)

SOFTBALL IN THE SCHOOLS CONTINUES IN BULGARIA
2010-07-07

Another success story in the “Softball in the Schools” program is being told, thanks to efforts being made by one of the International Softball Federation’s member federations in Europe.

The Bulgarian Softball Federation is starting a new school program in the Dulovo region (northeastern portion of the country).

Some weeks ago they presented to the leading school in Dulovo the last one of the starter kits they received from the ISF, which they used for demonstration purposes. (A starter kit is a box shipped from the world governing body containing bats, balls, gloves, batting helmets, catcher’s gear, an equipment bag, and instructional videos.) This particular starter kit was used by the BSF’s instructors for demonstration games in schools all around Bulgaria, including a clinic in April in Edirne, Turkey. BSF President Youri Alkalay, Secretary General Gergana Handjiyska, and national team player/assistant coach Alexandrina Bogdanova led the four-day session for an (age) under-15 team.

The newest schools program in Bulgaria will be managed by two physical education teachers, who gained their knowledge in Turkey at the first clinic organized by the Balkan Association with the support of the ISF and the European Softball Federation.

The plans for development are very ambitious: after the arrival of the ISF starter kits, a regional league with teams from six schools (three schools in the city of Dulovo and three in the surrounding villages) will be formed under the auspices of the Mayor of Dulovo, Mr. Guner Ramiz (former deputy minister of State Administration).

Mr. Alkalay said, “We are taking on this project because the region is Turkish-speaking and we believe that the project will foster the cooperation with the Turkish Softball Federation and activities of the Balkan (South East European Softball) Association.”

"We are very grateful for the equipment and support,” Mayor Ramiz said. “The game of softball is something completely new for our kids and I am sure that the program will be very successful. The municipality will support the Bulgarian Softball Federation and will become an initial partner in this activity for public benefit.”