World Refugee Day: WBSC reaffirms full commitment. WBSC

The World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) marks World Refugee Day by reaffirming its commitment to using Baseball5, Baseball and Softball to create a better future for refugees, promoting inclusion, providing support and ensuring access to sport for all, regardless of their background.

To mark World Refugee Day on 20 June, the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) has reaffirmed its commitment to bring hope and unite communities, particularly through the integration of Baseball5 in the Azraq and Souf refugee camps and beyond. 

Baseball5 has proven to be a key tool for the WBSC to positively impact the lives of refugees and promote integration and inclusion. Accessibility is one of the key reasons behind the creation of Baseball5, which only requires only a ball to play and is a youth-focused, inclusive game that anyone can #playeverywhere. 

In 2023, the WBSC brought the sport to the Azraq refugee camp in Jordan. Last year, the WBSC inaugurated a new Baseball5 field in the Azraq, where coaches conduct weekly training sessions with displaced children and organise games. Plans are also well underway for a Baseball5 Refugee Team to participate in the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, as well as opportunities to participate in training camps and tournaments outside of Jordan. 


Celebrating its first anniversary in early 2024, the Azraq Baseball5 Refugee Project continues to have a meaningful impact on the lives of many young refugees and their families. The WBSC is also a proud member of the UNHCR and International Olympic Committee (IOC) "Sports Coalition" and through its work in Jordan, is actively fulfilling its pledge by promoting and ensuring refugee access to safe and inclusive sports facilities. 

In addition, the WBSC also launched the Legacy Club in 2023, which will allow for increased efforts and expanded support for Baseball5 activities in the Souf Camp with the help of Maher's Foundation, home to a large number of Palestinian refugees. 

WBSC President Riccardo Fraccari said: "Sport has the power to break down barriers and bring hope where it is most needed. On World Refugee Day, we are proud to use the accessibility of Baseball5 to bring hope and opportunity. As we move forward, our commitment remains steadfast - to ensure that everyone, no matter where they come from, has the chance to engage, participate and thrive through our sport."