Asia Foundation Partners with BBSA to help grow baseball and softball

The Asia Foundation has partnered with the Bhutan Baseball & Softball Association (BBSA) to help develop baseball and softball in the Himalayan nation with a donation of $4,500. The funds will be used for the Thimphu and Paro School Tour for Grassroots Development Program and this year's summer camps.

"Thanks to Asia Foundation support, we will be able to take substantial strides in promoting and nurturing the love for baseball and softball among the youths of Bhutan," said Sanjeevan Raj Gurung, BBSA Secretary General. "The grant will allow us to establish standard training programs and create more opportunities for young athletes to participate and excel in these sports."

The BBSA will introduce its grassroots development program to several schools in Paro after the summer break and will also unveil baseball and softball school clubs in Thimphu this fall.

"We are beyond grateful for the support of the Asia Foundation," added Marvin Moore, BBSA International Coach. "This much-needed donation will allow the BBSA to expand our reach and teach baseball and softball to more Bhutanese boys and girls."

The BBSA recently conducted a two-day baseball and softball camp in the Phobjikha Valley and will debut a trio of new youth leagues (ages 8-12) this summer. Besides its annual baseball and softball summer camps, the BBSA will also organize a three-day summer tournament.

"Our focus is on the youth and laying a foundation of exciting youth baseball and softball leagues and competent Bhutanese coaches," said Moore. "The top priority of the BBSA is to recruit youth players and develop these boys and girls into talented players who can play for the national teams in the future."

The Asia Foundation is a nonprofit international development organization committed to improving lives and expanding opportunities across Asia and the Pacific.