"I have noticed that baseball and also softball have been growing globally and attracting boys and girls to come together to play [a sport]," said the 59-year-old Hollywood star, who took part in the Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay and sang at the Opening Ceremony.

"The two sports teach children teamwork, discipline - about facing challenges and overcoming difficulties.

"Hence, I support baseball and softball's inclusion in the 2020 Olympic Games and I sincerely wish baseball and softball receive the favourable votes from the IOC members."

It is now less than a month until International Olympic Committee (IOC) members vote on whether baseball-softball, squash or wrestling will be included for the 2020 Games, which will take place in either Tokyo, Madrid or Istanbul - also to be decided at the same session in Buenos Aires.


The WBSC was formed in April of this year following the merger of the International Baseball Federation (IBAF) and the International Softball Federation (ISF) in a move designed to improve the sports' chances for re-inclusion.

In a joint statement, WBSC co-Presidents Riccardo Fraccari and Don Porter welcomed Chan's support.

"It's a tremendous honour and truly exciting to have Jackie Chan as a supporter of baseball and softball," they said.

"He is an international figure who personifies hard-work, athleticism, determination and supreme talent, which are qualities needed to reach the Olympic Games."

Chan is originally from Hong Kong, where baseball-softball is one of the most popular sports.

Chairman of the Hong Kong Baseball Association (HKBA) Philip Li hopes that the support of one of its most famous citizens will help get the 2020 campaign over the line in Buenos Aires.

"Mr Chan's generosity with his time, his commitment to sport and fitness, and his enormous international appeal will help inspire countless supporters be more active in sport and join WBSC's efforts to find a place for baseball and softball players on the world's biggest sporting stage, the Olympic Games," he said.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related Stories
August 2013: Record drugs bans will "boost" baseball-softball Olympic bid, claim WBSC officials
August 2013: Softball's success at World Games gives timely boost ahead of 2020 Olympic decision
April 2013: Baseball and softball officially join forces in attempt to boost 2020 Olympic chances
July 2013: Play Ball 2020 comes to the UK for opening of first dedicated baseball-softball facility
July 2013: Softball President hopes to atone for "letting athletes down" by getting sport back in Olympics