Blind Baseball day celebrated in Vienna, Austria

A successful collaboration between the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC), the Italian Blind Baseball Association (AIBxC – a WBSC Associate Member), and the Inclusive Sports Network (ISN) brought Blind Baseball to the forefront in Vienna, Austria, during a dedicated Blind Baseball Day held on Wednesday, 6 May. The event was hosted by the Vienna Wanderers at their home field.

Representatives from across the international Blind Baseball community attended, underlining the global commitment to inclusion through sport. ISN was represented by Sahar Al Tabbal, coach Bob Schwarz, and Erin Kelly, while AIBxC’s delegation included President Eva Trevisan, project lead Franco Buttignon, coach Francesco Volo, and players Richard Raddiri and Michelangelo Agnello.

"The goal of ISN is to use sports as a bridge to create an environment where inclusion is natural, where differences are celebrated, and where every child feels welcome and appreciated," states the ISN website. "Our focus is on joy, fun, growth and friendship."

The Vienna event marked an important milestone in ISN’s ongoing Blind Baseball project, launched in September 2025 in partnership with two classes at the Federal Institute for the Blind (BBI). For many of the participating children, 6 May represented their first experience on a baseball field.

In addition to youth engagement, AIBxC instructors conducted sessions with adult participants, who expressed strong interest in forming Austria’s first Blind Baseball team.

The Austrian Baseball Softball Federation also demonstrated its support, with Secretary-General Matthias Scheicher in attendance. He reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to developing both youth and adult pathways for Blind Baseball in Austria.

“Our collaboration with ISN showcased the power of sport—and Blind Baseball in particular—to connect people and foster inclusion,” AIBxC stated in an official release.