Don Porter, President of International Softball Federation (ISF), said in Beijing on Wednesday that he was optimistic about the sport's reinstatement onto the 2016 Olympics especially after the attendence of two honored guests from International Olympic Committee (IOC).

IOC's president Jacques Rogge and honorary president Juan Antonio Samaranch both came to the Fengtai softball field on Wednesday afternoon, watching the game between Japan and Australia.

"I think he (Rogge) is enjoying the game. He has been very busy and tired as many events and funtions needed him to be there, but he still spent time to see our sport," Porter told Xinhua after the game.

"The same feeling also came to Mr. Samaranch. It was good to have them there because our sport needs more support," Porter added.

Softball, which had been a medal sport at the Atlanta Olympics in 1996, was voted out of the program of the 2012 London Games after failing to garner more than half of the votes from the 100-plus IOC members at its 117th Session in 2005.

ISF then launched the namely "Back Softball Compaign", aiming to get the sport reinstated to the program of 2016 Games in next year's IOC vote.

Softball will compete with baseball, golf, rugby, karate, squash and roller sports to prove worthy of inclusion in the 2016 Olympic lineup.

Despite a fierce competition, Porter was confident that his sport will beat the others with ISF's hard work.

"I am very optimistic especially after their attendence today. They have seen a great game, our athletes' good performance and also big fanatic crowds. It is really good for the sport and softball will have a good chance to return.

"But there are many work for us to do. We will work hard in next years to let the majority of the IOC members see our sport and let more people understand what a great sport it is. We will work harder," said Porter.

(Xinhua News Agency August 21, 2008)