Prince George, B.C. – One week to go before the opening pitch is thrown at the World Baseball Challenge.

 

WBC Co-Chair Jim Swanson says they are ready “We are actually further ahead  than we ever have been before in terms of planning ahead and logistics and organization. Things are very much in place.   I am really happy with our  accommodation and meals plan for the teams that are here. We really  like the schedule, we really think it is more fan friendly than it has been in the past.

 

There are 5 teams taking part in the WBC, as the Bahamas withdrew, citing financial concerns. That withdrawal was disappointing says Swanson, but it did give the WBC some more wriggle room with its own budget. You may recall that in mid June, a last minute call went out for financial support from the community to ensure the WBC went ahead. Swanson says the community responded “There is a passion for this event in the community, there is a passion for this event on our committee but   we also had to be  fiscally responsible, and that’s where the sober second thought came in two months ago to make sure we weren’t going into a   time and a place where it was more difficult.” 

 

But it’s all ready now, and on August 13^th, the opening game will see team Canada take on team USA at Citizen Field. “We really think we are in a position this year to surpass attendance marks and not just because the rain is no longer a factor” says Swanson.  It was the rain that kept many a ball fan from attending the 2011 WBC and preventing the development of a cash reserve to fund this year’s event. But this year, Swanson says it looks like the weather is going to cooperate. 

 

The WBC will also put Prince George in the international spotlight  says Swanson, as journalists from the USA, Cuba and Japan will be attending “It’s great that our community will get that international profile.”

 

 So the only thing left now, is to ensure there are enough volunteers  “We aim to overstaff every area" says Swanson "Hospitality is what this game is all about, yes its baseball, but it is a chance to showcase what our community does in terms of hospitality and hosting and how friendly we are.” 

 

 You can find out more about volunteering by contacting Cora Denman by email at littlemidnight@shaw.ca. Outline the areas you may be interested in, and a number where you can be reached.

 

The schedule  is as follows: