Embassy Events
Batter Up! Embassy Promotes Baseball as Olympic Sport in Devínska Nová Ves
 |
| Little League players during the baseball game. Credit: Jana Illešová. |
Chargé d’Affaires Keith Eddins on May 20 organized a sports event in Devínska Nová Ves, in the suburbs of Bratislava, to promote baseball in Slovakia. The Embassy invited representatives of the Slovak Olympic Committee, Slovak Baseball Federation, the Mayor of Devínska Nová Ves, as well as members of the diplomatic corps whose countries are active in Baseball. American players and the families of Slovak Little League players joined the festivities. The event started with an Slovak and American children’s Little League game, then everyone enjoyed the traditional American baseball food, hotdogs and hamburgers. Mr. Eddins welcomed guests and invited everyone to watch a softball game with a team consisting primarily of U.S. Embassy staff playing against members of the Slovak Baseball Federation. The atmosphere of the whole afternoon was very friendly and informal. TV Joj and the TASR wire service covered the event. The Embassy hopes to elevate the profile of baseball in Slovakia and raise awareness of the International Olympic Committee’s vote in August on whether to include baseball as an official Olympic sport.
