IBAF Hong Kong International Baseball Open 2013

Message

Riccardo Fraccari
President
International Baseball Federation

Dear Baseball Friends, Fans and Clubs,

The Hong Kong International Baseball Open (HKIBO) marks yet another important step forward for the Hong Kong Baseball Association (HKBA) and the international baseball community.

The International Baseball Federation (IBAF) fully recognises and endorses HKBA’s efforts to bring together and welcome a rich international selection of seven club teams, which are based in China, Chinese Taipei, Iraq, Japan, Russia and Singapore, to provide a platform for baseball players and teams to test their skills and talents beyond one’s boundaries.

The inclusion of three Hong Kong-based teams in the event is an innovative design by HKBA to make the event as relevant and appealing as possible to the local players and community.

Baseball events like the HKIBO not only serve to promote the image of baseball as a viable and growing global product, but also as a societal instrument for encouraging mutual respect, cultural diversity, friendship-building, international ties, as well as promoting the city and host country.

The IBAF is proud to be associated with the Hong Kong International Baseball Open and sends its gratitude to HKBA for its dedicated promotion of baseball and for the successful organisation and coordination with the local authorities, sponsors, officials and volunteers of this international event. With such coordinated and collective efforts, baseball’s global footprint will continue to expand, giving more opportunities for baseball players to shine on the international stage and evolve our sport.

RICCARDO FRACCARI