A historic step for ISPS as officials meet with leaders from Rwanda to explore expanding slow pitch softball across Africa. Discover the vision and future plans of ISPS in this groundbreaking development.
In a groundbreaking initiative to bring slow pitch softball to new regions of the world, ISPS leadership recently met with officials from Rwanda to discuss plans for expanding the sport into Africa, beginning with Rwanda as the gateway to the continent. This strategic meeting marks a historic milestone for ISPS as the organization continues its mission to promote slow pitch softball globally, providing opportunities for players of all skill levels.
The discussions took place in Barcelona, during a convention, where ISPS Commissioner Manuel T. Ferrero III led the delegation. The Rwandan officials, including members of the Ministry of Sports and the Rwanda Tourism, warmly welcomed the ISPS team, sharing a vision of collaboration that aligns with ISPS’s goal of global inclusivity in sports.
"This is an exciting moment for ISPS and the world of slow pitch softball," said Commissioner Ferrero. "Rwanda is a shining example of resilience and progress, and we are honored to partner with their officials to grow the sport on this beautiful continent. Expanding into Africa aligns with our mission to unite communities through the joy of softball."
During the meeting, ISPS presented a detailed proposal for developing slow pitch softball infrastructure in Rwanda. The plan includes organizing training sessions for coaches, providing equipment, and hosting introductory tournaments to ignite local interest in the sport. Additionally, ISPS proposed using Rwanda as a launchpad to establish softball leagues across neighboring countries, with the ultimate vision of hosting pan-African tournaments under the ISPS umbrella.
A Vision of Opportunity
Rwanda’s officials expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting the country's strong focus on youth and sports development. The initiative is not only about sports but also about creating opportunities for community engagement, leadership, and health-focused activities.
"We believe this partnership with ISPS will empower our youth and inspire a love for the game that unites people across cultures and nations," said a Rwandan sports official. "This will open doors for our athletes to shine on a global stage."
The Next Steps
To ensure a successful launch, ISPS is already planning a pilot tournament in Rwanda for 2025. This event will showcase the potential of slow pitch softball to unite diverse groups and provide a platform for players and fans to experience the sport in a new way. The tournament will include exhibition matches, clinics for coaches and umpires, and cultural exchanges between international ISPS players and local athletes.
"This is more than just slow pitch softball," Ferrero added. "This is about building bridges, empowering communities, and creating lifelong memories through the shared love of sports. Africa is the future, and Rwanda is the perfect starting point."
The partnership will also include efforts to incorporate slow pitch softball into schools and universities in Rwanda, ensuring the sport reaches younger generations and becomes a sustainable part of the country’s sports ecosystem.
A Bright Future for ISPS in Africa
As ISPS continues to grow globally, this step into Africa represents a significant expansion of its reach and impact. With the collaboration of visionary leaders in Rwanda and the unwavering support of the ISPS community, the future of slow pitch softball in Africa looks promising.
ISPS is grateful to the officials in Rwanda for their warm reception and forward-thinking approach. Together, we’re writing a new chapter for slow pitch softball, and the journey is just beginning.
What are your thoughts on ISPS expanding into Africa? Visit playisps.com/news and let us know how you envision the future of ISPS on the global stage!