The office, at ‘la Maison du Sport International (MSI),’ is already home to 20 international sports federations, and was officially opened by ISF president Don Porter.

 

The establishment of a European base underlines the ISF’s commitment to softball in Europe, following the implementation of regional training centers in Italy and Russia last year, the ISF claimed.

 

The presence close to the headquarters of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) puts the ISF in a stronger position to exchange ideas and information with the 40 softball federations based in Europe .

 

Porter said, “We are determined to use this location to forge stronger relationships with member federations and potential new federations in Europe.

 

He also hopes that it will boost softball's attempts to get back into the Olympic programme for 2016 after being controversially dropped for London 2012.

 

Porter said: "We've been trying to get space at MSI for some time and jumped at the chance when space there recently became available.

 

"Softball is growing faster in Europe than anywhere else in the world at present, with huge numbers of young people getting involved in the sport and we’re delighted to be able to support them from close at hand now.”

 

Hein Verbruggen, the chairman of the General Association of International Sports Federations Chairman  said: “Europe is a significant growth area for softball and it is important for the sport to have a base in the heart of Europe to manage the planning and marketing of the sport’s development. 

 

"It is also very important to be close to the other summer federations to share best practices and solutions to some of the challenges faced by the global recession. 

 

"In this respect Lausanne is the perfect place for the ISF to have an office. 

 

"Equally, other federations will benefit from softball’s strengths in anti-doping policy and inclusiveness, particularly among women and young people.”

 

The ISF's world headquarters is located in Plant City , Florida , and features a 6,700-seat softball stadium, four-field complex, and an administration building that includes a 1,500-square foot conference facility adjacent to the administrative offices.

 

Softball was dropped from the programme for the London 2012 Olympics by the IOC at its Session in Singapore in July 2005.

 

It is now one of seven sports trying to be included on the programme for 2016.

 

The IOC are due to make a decision at its Session in Copenhagen in October.

 

The other sports seeking election are baseball, golf, karate, roller sports, rugby sevens and squash.