Function with World Softball Championship Officials

Tuesday 3 February 2004

Good evening. It has been pointed out to me by Melissa and others that maybe in future I should stay away from weather predictions. While it is highly unusual for anyone in politics to not be completely truthful at all times I must admit I do have some vague memory last week of guaranteeing you all "perfect weather". So I did. And so it was. Somewhere. Just not here.

Perhaps the gods of sport decided to level the playing field for those players coming here from the Northern Hemisphere winter. Despite the weather and the usual shower of politicians any major event brings with it I understand many of you have managed to have a thoroughly good time while you have been here.  I hope that experience has been almost universal.

Once again I would like to thank you for deciding to give this major event to Christchurch. As part of this thanks I would like to acknowledge the following people:

The general Secretary of the International Softball Federation, Mr Andy Loechner.

The Oceania executive member and New Zealand Softball president, Bob Leveloff.

The Softball New Zealand board and staff, Dale Eagar and Hadyn Smith.

The Canterbury Softball association president, Eddie Byrne.

The event management team, especially Danae Gooseman, chairperson and Canterbury Softball Association CEO, Cheryl Kemp.

Having both said sorry and thanks, something Pam says I never manage at home, on the same day I feel brave enough to also mention that the Canterbury Softball Association is mooting setting up a permanent men's International Softball Fixture to be held here every two years.

In the interim this event is called the "Canterbury Cup". It would invite six countries, and two development teams each time, a total of 8 teams.

The venue would be the Smokefree Ballpark in Pages Road. The idea is to set up long term consistent opportunities for international softballers.

The first Canterbury Cup would be held at the start of 2006. I think its a great idea. I hope it gets your support too.

It has been a great experience having you here.