Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2007
	Opening Ceremony June 9, 2007

Compiled and Copyright © 1997-2007 by Marco Stoovelaar

Olympic Qualifier officially opened
Nederlands
UDINE (Italy) - The Europe Africa Olympic Qualifying Tournament was officially opened during a ceremony on Saturday-evening, held in the center of the city of Udine.
Seven of the nine participating countries, umpires, official scorers and other officials walked through the streets of Udine en route to the historic center of the city. Missing in the parade were South Africa and Nigeria. South Africa supposed to have arrived earlier in the day in Milan and was on its way to the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, where the tournament is being held in three small cities close to Trieste. While trying to contact officials, Nigeria is believed not to show up, meaning all scheduled games against that country will end in a 7-0 forfait win for the opposing team. Because they arrived late, South Africa also lost its first game in a forfait against Croatia.

Following the local marching band Corpo Bandistico Comunale G. Rossini from Castions di Strada, the teams were accompanied by a real nicely created puppet which were wearing a traditional signing of the country they represented. The Dutch puppet carried a windmill. In the streets, the teams were welcomed and applauded by many enthousiastic onlookers, which also included family of the players.
On the square, the participants were addressed by dignitaries, such as the chairman of the Organiziging Committee and the deputy mayor of the city of Udine. Riccardo Fraccari, President of the Italian Baseball and Softball Federation (FIBS) also welcomed everyone. The Olympic Oath was taken by Italian and foreign players and officials, then the Italian national anthem was sung. Finally, Don Porter, President of the International Softball Federation (ISF) welcomed everyone, stated that in 430 days one of the teams would be in Beijing for the Olympic Games and officially declared the tournament open.
After the ceremony, everyone went to the playing site in Castions di Strada to have a meal.
(June 9)

...Olympic Qualifier Puppet...	...Dutch team walks through the streets of Udine...
...Lots of spectators watched the parade of teams...	...Dutch players walk to opening ceremony...
...Dutch players look around...	...Members of Dutch team walk to center of city...
(All Photos: Marco Stoovelaar)
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